The
Fall 2007
Scriver Scribbler
A quarterly publication of the Northfield Historical Society 408 Division Street • Northfield, MN 55057 • 507/645-9268 www.northfieldhistory.org
Original glass plates produced just after the Northfield Raid donated to NHS By Nancy J. Ashmore On May 24, 2007, Northfield native Benjamin Nystuen donated 12 historic glass plate negatives to the Northfield Historical Society collection. “This is where they belong,” says Nystuen. The Colorado Springs, Colorado retiree was back in his hometown to attend his reunion at St. Olaf College, from which he graduated in 1957. The 131-year-old negatives contain images of members of the infamous James-Younger Gang, taken after they tried to rob the Northfield National Bank in 1876. They show William Chadwell (a.k.a Bill Stiles) and Clel Miller, killed in the raid; Charlie Pitts, killed in a shootout later in Madelia, Minnesota; and Bob, Jim, and Cole Younger, wounded and captured in the same gun battle. Nobody knows how much the donation would be worth at auction. The negatives are priceless to a town that celebrates “The Defeat of Jesse James Days” every September. Postcards of the dead and captured robbers are among the most popular and most discussed items in the Museum Store. Nystuen received the negatives in 1985 from his father, Elmer Nystuen, who operated the Phillips 66 gas station in Northfield between 1928 and 1948. Elmer got them Glass plates to page 4
The Cannon River’s Storied Past Take a journey down the Cannon River as Jeff Sauve explores its history through archived anecdotes and personal memories. Fishing in Cannon River about 1890
See page 7
This glass plate negative was used to make postcards of the James-Younger Gang members.
Inside this issue… From the Director...................................................Page 2 Editor’s Perspective: The Arts, Culture & NHS ....Page 3 KYMN Radio Hosts Hayes on Noontime News...Page 3 From the Board.......................................................Page 6 New Tees are Here! .................................................Page 8 Calendar of Events..................................................Page 8
THE SCRIVER SCRIBBLER
From the Director…
NORTHFIELD
HISTORICAL S O C I E T Y THE
SCRIVER SCRIBBLER A quarterly publication of the Northfield Historical Society
Mission Statement To be the primary community resource that honors, preserves, and interprets Northfield’s unique place in history, building a bridge from our past to our future. Vision Statement A Northfield whose vibrant heritage frames its exciting future. Editor: Gail Jones Hansen Writers: Jeff Sauve Dan Freeman Gail Jones Hansen Nancy J. Ashmore Northfield Historical Society Board of Directors Dan Freeman, President Gail Jones Hansen, Vice President Chuck Sandstrom, Treasurer Debby Larsen, Secretary Chip DeMann Chris Ellison Scott Elmer Adriana Estill Eric Fure-Slocum Jeff Johnson Deanna Kuennen Jodi Lawson Michelle Millenacker Lora Steil Earl Weinmann Hayes Scriven, Executive Director Northfield Historical Society 408 Division Street Northfield, MN 55057 507-645-9268 www.northfieldhistory.org Production and Printing By All Means Graphics 18 Bridge Square, Northfield 507-663-7937
Hayes Scriven
Greetings, Northfield history lovers! This has been one of the busiest quarters at NHS since I joined this great organization. A major highlight of the last three months was the donation of valuable glass-plate negatives of the James-Younger Gang. We thank Benjamin Nystuen and his family for this very generous gift, one of the finest we have ever received.
Our summer youth programs are in full swing! The Junior Curators have been busy working in the Museum Store learning how to interact with customers and operate the cash register. They’ve also done research for the upcoming Cemetery Stories in October, and have uncovered information on the first YMCA in Northfield. Watching over the Curators have been the Summer Assistants. Matt Hagen-Stowe, a senior at Northfield High School, returns for his third year as Summer Assistant. All of us here feel he has a bright future ahead of him in the history field! In her first year as Summer Assistant we have Sofie Jokia. Sofie interacts well with the curators and is always full of good ideas. One of the Museum’s most popular programs, the Junior Posse Program, is at the height of its busy season. These young high school kids give professional tours to people from all over the world. The amount of preparation that goes into a being able to conduct an informative tour is mind-boggling. Next time you are in the museum and you see a young person in costume, enjoy a tour from one of these talented guides! We are also coming off the heels of another successful hometown Fourth of July Celebration. Thanks to everyone who supported the celebration, specifically the YMCA for sponsoring the Kiddie Parade and St. Dominic’s Church for sponsoring the Kiddie Carnival. We also extend deep appreciation to our many volunteers. On July 14th we hosted the national book signing of Johnny D. Boggs’ newest work, Northfield: A Western Story. We were pleased to see so many people hear Johnny discuss his fictionalized story of the failed 1876 bank raid by the JamesYounger Gang, as told through twenty-three first person accounts. The book is very entertaining and well written. If you would like a copy, come on down to the Museum Store and take advantage of your member discount! It’s that time again when we gear up to prepare for the Defeat of Jesse James Days (DJJD), held this year on September 5th – 9th. As the hub of the celebration, the Museum will host exciting events and activities. We’ll have extended hours and there will be many authors signing copies of their books including John J. Koblas, Victoria Kasten and Johnny D. Boggs. This year’s DJJD promises to be even more fun than previous years, so join us in celebrating Northfield’s heroes! Check out this issue’s Calendar of Events for our fall line-up. On October 26th we will hold our annual Cemetery Stories, which draws a bigger crowd every year. Held at the Northfield Cemetery this year, we’ll feature actors portraying residents from Northfield’s past. Don’t miss this great family night! November 3rd is our annual auction, our biggest fundraiser of the year for the Historical Society. All of the money raised helps NHS. Mark your calendars now to enjoy an entertaining evening. Remember, you make history every day!
Hayes Scriven Executive Director 2
THE SCRIVER SCRIBBLER
Fall 2007
Editor’s Perspective
thanks to renewed support from the city and the colleges. As the new Commission gains momentum, and as Northfield arts organizations further their goals in a fresh spirit of collaboration, let’s not forget to honor and celebrate Northfield’s history for its profound cultural significance in our lives.
The Arts, Culture & NHS: Points of Intersection Gail Jones Hansen
Gail Jones Hansen is a freelance writer and editor of books, newsletters and marketing communications for corporate and not-for-profit clients.
There’s a buzz about town, and it’s not from any illegal substance.
It’s from certain Northfield citizens with a different kind of addiction: to the spirited arts and culture scene in this engaged community.
KYMN Radio Hosts Hayes on Noontime News
One of the first things the City of Northfield did after its impressive ArtsPlan06 was finalized was to create an Arts and Cultural Commission comprised of seven volunteer members from the community. Since I am privileged to serve on this commission as well as on the Northfield Historical Society Board, I often think about how the goals of the two organizations intersect. Obviously, “culture” encompasses history. Less obvious, perhaps, is that safeguarding and enhancing Northfield’s identity as an arts town depends on our support of the arts and culture in all its forms.
In an effort to inform and entertain KYMN Radio listeners about “anything and everything NHS,” our Executive Director Hayes Scriven will be on air during the Noontime News KYMN Radio’s Dusty Budd Hour with Dusty Budd the first and last Wednesday of every month.
Historically enlightened individuals use the lessons of the past to achieve a richer understanding of their world and their place in it as citizens, business leaders, and family members. An awareness of history sharpens our acuity and changes the way we process reality. Truly creative art interprets that reality in new ways. Whether your personal form of artistic expression is writing, painting, acting, or – like Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray, the living out of your own life – knowledge of history and culture enlarges your perspective, adding depth to your art.
Since he has been doing the show, Hayes has “talked history” with such guests as authors John Koblas, Johnny D. Boggs and Victoria Kasten. If you would like to suggest a topic for discussion or a guest to join Hayes, please call him at 507-645-9268 or email him at scriven@northfieldhistory.org.
Thank You New and Renewing Members!
When I was in high school, I went through what must have been an irritating phase for my English teachers, when I tackled what I thought were new ideas and prose styles with more enthusiasm than understanding. Reading these papers now makes me chuckle even as I wince. What I had assumed were original thoughts and themes had been more thoroughly examined, and far better expressed, by countless others before me.
Welcome to our new members, and a big thank you to our old friends for renewing their NHS memberships! Should you wish to make an additional donation, please consider upgrading your membership. If you have any questions about your membership status, or to notify us of changes in your address or contact information, please call the NHS at 507-645-9268. May 17-July 31, 2007
Mike & Wendy Apitz Helen Albers Elaine Benson Bernard & Linda Borene Georgia Braulick William & Jennifer Cox Johnson Richard & Chris Daymont Iva Dodson Andrea Een Mary Ellen Frame Joy Ganyo Gregory Hildreth Carol Hubbard
What I was lacking, of course, was literary and historical context. True knowledge of the history of “a people’s ideas, customs, skills, art” – culture as defined by Webster – is a prerequisite to creating great poetry and prose. Knowledge of history and culture informs all art. The highly diverse arts and cultural organizations in our community are therefore inter-related by virtue of their common mission. It’s exciting to see them re-energize, 3
Gary & Andrea Iseminger Debby Larsen Bruce & Audrey Moe Emily & Art Monaghan Paul & Deann Peterson Al & Theresa Perry Chuck Sandstrom & Dianne Kelly Juilia Savina David Sudermann Kenneth & Lois Wilkens Companies Steven Schmidt Construction Hogan Brothers
THE SCRIVER SCRIBBLER
Fall 2007
Glass plates continued from front page from Stuart Sumner, the son of Ira Sumner, who photographed the outlaws. Nystuen says that Stuart Sumner gave the negatives to his father, a friend, to repay a debt or for safekeeping. Nystuen recalls that during World War II a picture frame in the men’s restroom of his father’s gas station included the images that he has donated. The frame also held photos of the bank and town, plus an image of Joseph Lee Heywood, the bookkeeper and acting cashier who was killed during the raid. “My mother wouldn’t have this gruesome collection in our home,” he says. Ironically, Nystuen’s donation was prompted by the actions of some 21st-century felons. Burglars broke into his Colorado home, stealing jewelry, but bypassing what may have been the most valuable items in the house. Deciding that the negatives should be kept some place safer, Nystuen fished them out of the dresser drawer where he had been storing them – “under my long johns” – and contacted the Northfield Historical Society.
Ben Nystuen (left) talks with NHS President Dan Freeman about his donation.
MAKING A LASTING IMPACT The negatives have created quite a stir already, with stories about them appearing not only in the Northfield News, but also in the Star-Tribune and on KARE 11 television.
Nystuen’s donation is very exciting, says Hayes Scriven, the society’s director. “I hoped these negatives were out there somewhere, but I never imagined I’d see them. We’re eager to make them available for visitors to view — by displaying them in a light box, perhaps. We’ve contacted the Minnesota Historical Society for recommendations on the proper lighting to use and hope to have something ready in September.”
“This is one of the most incredible finds in recent history regarding the raid,” says Chip DeMann, a member of the Northfield Historical Society board and leader of the group that portrays the James-Younger Gang during annual reenactments. “To have had this collection stay intact, in good shape, and just one family away from the man who created them is thrilling. It gives us hope that there are even more discoveries out there to be made, other pieces of the raid’s history resting in someone else’s dresser drawer or attic, waiting to be found, identified, and displayed.”
This glass plate negative (center) has never been seen before. Note how Clelle Miller (right center) is looking right into the camera.
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THE SCRIVER SCRIBBLER
Fall 2007
The glass plate negatives will be a great addition to the museum’s educational resources, DeMann notes. “Children doing research in the museum and visitors will see immediately that they’re looking at an antique technology, that Ira Sumner didn’t take the photos with a digital camera. We’ll also make sure they learn that he took them to help law enforcement officials and Pinkerton agents identify who they were and try to connect them to robberies elsewhere and not to make money.”
“Ben always led by example; where he went, others wanted to follow,” Freeman says. “The Historical Society hopes his donation will encourage others to support us. The negatives, yes, are of tremendous worth to us, but his example – that’s huge.” After majoring in physics at St. Olaf, Nystuen was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant through the AFROTC program. He spent 28 years in the Air Force, mostly flying fighters (including 193 combat sorties in Vietnam), and retired as a lieutenant colonel. He later earned a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, where he taught computer science for 10 years. Nystuen and his wife, Maureen, have a son, Erik, and a daughter, Dagny.
Dan Freeman is president of the Historical Society board. He’s also “The Voice of the Raid,” the narrator of the reenactments. When Freeman heard it was Nystuen who was donating the negatives, he wasn’t surprised. He’d known him when both attended Northfield Jr. and Sr. High Schools and St. Olaf and “everything I knew about Ben suggested he was just the kind of guy who would do something generous like this.”
Images have traveled the globe The images of the members of the James-Younger Gang were created to document the attempted robbery and to help identify the robbers, but in recent decades they’ve developed a life of their own. They have literally traveled the world, says Dan Freeman. He personally helped his father, Sid Freeman, send postcards with the memorable photos everywhere from Argentina and Ethiopia to India, Iran, and Japan. “You have to wonder what the postal authorities and letter carriers in all those countries thought about the bullet-ridden bodies,” notes Freeman. “My dad traveled around the world twice, attended the Olympics five times, and had hundreds of Carleton friends that he kept in contact with. Using cards we got at Tiny’s or Telander’s Drug Store – this was before the Northfield Historical Society existed – he’d invite people to visit Northfield,” notes Freeman. “He often ended his notes with this remark: ‘We promise — we’ll treat you better than we treated this guy!’” Nancy J. Ashmore is a freelance writer and editor (see http://ashmoreink.com). Her previous volunteer work for the NHS includes copywriting for the sesquicentennial calendar and editing and proofing of museum display materials and web text. She is also the mother of David Ashmore, a member of the Adult Posse, volunteers who serve as museum tour guides and interpreters of the events connected with the defeat of the James-Younger Gang. 5
THE SCRIVER SCRIBBLER
Fall 2007
The Cannon River’s Storied Past In 1895, Joseph Hoffstatter built a steamer to carry nine people. The ticket office was located at the landing on the southwest corner of Mill Square. Another steamer, the Starlight, was launched the same summer by proprietors “Donaldson & Bateman.” Substantially larger than Hoffstatter’s craft, the Starlight carried up to 40 passengers every other Saturday; children under the age of 12 rode free. Tickets were available at the Finkelson Drug Store. Records do not indicate that either steamer worked the Cannon the following year.
By Jeff Sauve “I think there’s a whopper on my line, Dad!” my 12-year-old son, Holden, exclaimed the other day while we fished the Cannon River. For more than 150 years, children have fished this river with the same anticipation. Like many other communities, Northfield has embraced the river that runs through it. At times the river’s storied past from a century ago has jumped the line and disappeared downstream, nearly forgotten like the one that got away.
Other summers, the Cannon served as a muse to writers. In 1883, Daisy Addison’s poem “A Scene on the Cannon”(3) told of young love and the secrets kept by the river. Her sentimental verse is that of a novice poet, but they reflect her regard for the river’s natural beauty:
Two hundred plus years ago, French traders named the river “River aux Canots,” meaning Canoe River.(1) The Sioux called the river “Inyan Bosndata” or Standing Rock, which referred to the eroded rock column in Castle Rock. The narratives of Pike’s expedition in 1805-06 mentioned a “Cannon River,” a derivation of “canot.” The name remained.
Down through the peaceful valley The winding Cannon flowed; And on every dancing wavelet A sparkling sun-beam rode.
In the 1850s the United States government “made a survey of Rice, Goodhue, and Dakota counties with the object of developing a short steamboat route from the Minnesota River to the Mississippi via the Cannon River.”(2) A series of locks were intended along the Cannon River to support steamer traffic. Although the locks never actualized, for a time in the 1890s, steamers designed to be used for recreation plied the Cannon.
And merrily danced the river, In the moon-beams silver light; As it bore the lovers homeward, Through the folding gloom of night. Flow onward Cannon river, Flow onward toward the sea! And carefully guard the secret, So carelessly trusted thee.
Grab Your Volunteers Folks You’re Needed at the Museum A wonderful melodrama aptly titled, “Jesse” has entertained several happy audiences through the years. Countless classic cars have been shown; artists both local and regional have exhibited and sold their work here. Nationally known entertainers have come to grace us with their presence. Thousands of fans have enjoyed one of the worlds’ best rodeos and great music in our entertainment center. And thousands of volunteers have donated hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours to make Northfield a better place.
It’s that time of year again here in Northfield. We’re getting ready for the biggest weekend of the year and we need all hands on deck. This is such an exciting time for the Northfield Historical Society. We get to showcase who and what we are. For a few, brief, shining moments we get to tell the story of our early courageous citizens and how they heroically reacted when the “terrorists of their time” maliciously attacked our people and our resources. During its history literally hundreds of thousands of people have come to Northfield for this exciting weekend. The celebration, which is the largest volunteer event in Minnesota, draws an estimated 150,000 people each year. That means the Defeat of Jesse James Days has entertained and educated more than four million people over the years. In the process, countless charitable dollars have been raised by Northfield nonprofits since that first one-day celebration in 1948.
So when you are asked to give a few hours to either the Museum or any other volunteer effort over “Defeat” weekend, please say yes and join in on of the greatest weekends in America.
Dan Freeman, President, NHS 6
THE SCRIVER SCRIBBLER
Fall 2007 Endnotes: 1 Warren Upham, Minnesota Geographic Names, Their Origin and Historic Significance (Ramaley, Chaney & Co., St. Paul, 1920), 11. “River aux Canots” alluded to canoes frequently left in concealment near its mouth by Native Americans and French traders, especially when going on the hunt for buffaloes in the adjoining prairie country. 2 Ralph L. Harmon, Ignatius Donnelly and his Faded Metropolis (Minnesota History Magazine, vol. 17), 263-275. 3 Daisy Addison, A Scene on the Cannon (Northfield News, Northfield Minn., June 28, 1883). 4 Seen from the Bridge (Northfield News, Northfield Minn., July 22, 1911). 5 Northfield News (Northfield, Minnesota, August 13, 1904). 6 Northfield News (Northfield, Minnesota, May 9, 1896). 7 Noted in the Pye card files (Northfield Public Library, see Cannon River index. Article noted in 1885 edition. Unfortunately the edition is not available on local microfilm).
Fishing in the Cannon River in the late 1800’s.
Another poem, “Seen from the Bridge,”(4) written in 1911 (author unknown), describes quite a different facet of the Cannon: We stood on the bridge at Third Street And gazed at the river below. Whose waters were stagnate and filthy And wondered why this should be so. The slime-covered rocks and old timbers And the decomposed vegetable mass And garbage dumped in there this summer, Is a menace to the people who pass.
The viewpoint of these two poets is separated by 28 years of development and change. During those years, the Cannon witnessed early efforts by the state fisheries to stock the river with salmon, community initiatives to brick the river banks below the dam, and plans to form ice skating clubs. The Cannon also witnessed “pearl hunters” who at the turn of the century left clams on the shore. Cannon River flood in 1888. The stench from the decaying clams caused several local citizens to lodge complaints with health board authorities.(5) Others, such as Henry Fey, complained: “Something Jeff Sauve has been an NHS member should be done to exterminate the numerous suckers that and St. Olaf College Associate Archivist haunt the water of the Cannon River” and eat the spawn of (6) since 1999. the fish. In retrospect, if anyone should have complained, it was the deceased person whose coffin was noted in the Rice County newspaper of 1885 as floating down the Cannon River.(7) There were few complaints from me the day Holden and I went fishing. He caught six to my four. He also reeled in the biggest fish. At least I caught the biggest smile a father could wish to see. 7
Our Terrific New Tees are Here! We asked for great tee shirt slogan ideas, and you responded in spades! After culling through dozens of submissions – some serious, some hilarious, some just plain weird – we selected three of our favorites that captured the spirit of our town. And the winners are: Andy Peterson, for . . .
Joyce Shutten, for . . .
Fall/Winter Calendar of Events SEPTEMBER 5th-9th – Defeat of Jesse James Days Pick up a
brochure at the Museum Store for a complete schedule of activities! Don’t forget to check our website for extended Museum tour and Store hours.
OCTOBER 26th – Cemetery Stories A must-attend family event as
residents of Northfield’s oldest cemetery DO tell tales . . . of their early lives in Northfield. Held at the Northfield Cemetery, with the first tour at 6:00 p.m.
NOVEMBER 3rd – Annual Auction Our biggest fundraiser all year,
Jeff Sauve, for . . .
and always a great time! This year’s theme is James Bond. So come in your best 007 attire, bid recklessly, and go home with unexpected treasures . . . all in support of the NHS.
DECEMBER 6th – Winter Walk Head to the Scriver Building for a
As of September 1st, a variety of cool colors and styles, so pick yours up today. THEY ALSO MAKE WONDERFUL GIFTS!
FREE photo with the James-Younger Gang, while you enjoy refreshments and discounts on tours and merchandise.
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
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