2 minute read
THE HISTORY OF AUSTIN’S PURE SPRINGS
from May June 2020
Next Article
The area just east of Austin known as “City Springs” around 1906.
From spring to county club The history of Austin’s pure springs
By Jaimie Timm, mower CounTy HisToriCal soCieTy • all pHoTos CourTesy of THe mower CounTy HisToriCal soCieTy
During the city’s early years, Austin promoted the fresh and pure spring water from several surrounding springs as one of its most important features.
One of these springs was located on James J. Sargent’s farm east of Austin. He arrived in Austin on May 23, 1857, and claimed 175 acres of land.
“Settlers were not numerous when he made his location, and few improvements met the eye.” (1884 Mower County History)
Mr. Sargent continued to break more land and created a prosperous farm. After he moved to Austin in 1880, the farm — a fine dairy operation with Jersey cows and Shropshire sheep — was rented out by several people, including Jay Rugg. Mr. Rugg began what would become the Austin Dairy Company while renting the Sargent Spring Farm.
James T. Sargent, as pictured via a sketch in the Mower County Transcript.
Around 1900, the Austin Water and Light Board purchased the farm in order to use the spring to supplement the city’s water. At the time, the spring flowed at a rate of about 1,300,000 gallons per day. On Aug. 3, 1910, the board held a meeting to discuss the right of way for the pipes running from the farm and it was noted that the “board will move as fast as possible in the enlargement of our water supply.” By October, contractors started work to connect the spring to the city.
By now, the farm was known as City Spring Farm, but the city had other plans beyond keeping it a farm. In July 1912, the City Council, the Water and Light Board, the City Engineer and the Street Foremen met to talk about laying out part of the farm as a park — City Spring Park.
In 1919, that park boasted a five-hole golf course. It was expanded to nine holes in 1920 by professional golfer Tom Vardon. At the same time, the Austin Country Club was founded and within days, the club had 200 members. Two years later, the club began planning for a large $15,000 clubhouse on the property. Over the course of 60 years, the land transformed from wild prairie to Sargent family farm homestead, City Spring Park and finally the Austin Country Club.
Top, Roy and Helen Holmas on the City Spring Farm. It is assumed that they were renting the farm from the city.
Above, Sargent Spring, about two miles east of Austin.
Left, An advertisement and fundraising plea for the Austin Country Club in the March 21, 1921 edition of the Mower County News.
