History of New Rockford: Feb. 21, 2022

On Oct. 19, 1904, the train brought in Mrs. I.J. Mills of Louisiana and Mrs. Emma Payne of Adel, Iowa, to visit their sister Mrs. F.P. Roush. That evening a farewell reception for Rev. and Mrs. C.F. Sewrey of the Methodist Church was held at the Mr. and Mrs. George Treffry home southeast of town with about fifty church members and friends. L.J. Aldrich, principal of Phillips Academy, presented the couple with “a handsome token of esteem” from the community, to which Rev. Sewrey responded. “Elegant refreshments” were served.

On Oct. 20 doctors performed an appendectomy on Charles Overton; he was improving, but was still “very low.” Berthold Roush came in from Tiffany. Homer Allison stopped in New Rockford for a visit on a trip from Esmond to Jamestown. Rev. and Mrs. C.F. Sewrey left for their new home in Harvey; Miss Ella Grierson accompanied them and would work in Sayres’ Department Store.

The October 21, 1904, “Transcript” mentioned the “Finley Beacon,” “Lisbon Free Press,” and “Devils Lake Free Press.”

G.W. Streeter and Mr. and Mrs. James Davidson and family had a Card of Thanks expressing their “deep and sincere acknowledgment of the kindness and assistance” of their friends during their “great bereavement” and a special appreciation to the members of the Eastern Star and the Royal Neighbors and to all who sent flowers.

Hugh Pankratz had two cows that would freshen in a month for sale at the Ohrner farm.

A letter from former resident J.H. Hohl from California said that his most recent operation had been a success and that his doctors were convinced his recovery would be rapid.

Charles C. Perkins was offering a reward for a rust-colored bill book he had lost, containing $25 in bills and a land contract.

Nels Kunkel had installed a Francis Engraving Machine in his jewelry store for engraving watches, etc.

During the week a stray dog was seen on the streets of town, showing evidence of rabies; several “crack hunters” shot at the animal, but it wasn’t until Thursday, Oct. 18 that a bullet found its fatal mark.

On Oct. 22 Martin Anderson was in town. Mrs. O.T. Lathrop and baby came in from Lake Washington to see Mr. Lathrop. Mrs. C.A. Edmunds returned from a lengthy trip to Washington, Oregon, and California; her niece Miss Lyle Yegen had accompanied her and had resumed her position as delivery clerk in the New Rockford post office. That evening a box social was held in the Tiffany Catholic Church. Also the musical comedy “Maloney’s Wedding Day,” produced by Sheeley & Young, was presented at the Opera House.

At 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, and continuing at that time every Sunday until the holidays, the Tiffany U.S.S. [?] would be open. Ida Daniels, secretary.

On Oct. 24 (or Oct. 17) a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Riggle. That evening and continuing through Oct. 28, the Crows, “New Rockford’s Favorites,” appeared at the Opera House. The official name was the Crow Imperial Stock Company. On the evening of the 24th about thirty-five of his friends gave Earl Starks a surprise birthday party. There were music, games, and refreshments in the form of ice cream and cake. Starks was presented with a leather-covered rocking chair.

At 10 a.m. on Oct. 25, Isaac Walden sold at public auction at his farm six miles east of town the following: six work horses, three cows, three 2-year old heifers, four hogs, 100 Plymouth Rock chickens, two 3-inch tire wagons, one truck wagon, one spring wagon, three hay racks, one road cart, one bob sled, one binder, one McCormick mower, one Champion rake, one 3-horse harrow, one 4-horse harrow, one 10-foot disc drill, one portable forge, one blacksmith vise, two 1-horse cultivators, three sets of work harness, one set of buggy harness, forty tons of hay, one steel range, one heater, and many other items. There was a free lunch at noon. W.M. Chamberlain was the auctioneer. The sale was “well-patronized.” Mr. and Mrs. Walden and family left for Big Bend, Wash., the following week.

On that day Dr. G.W. Murphy and C.H. Babcock shot a white goose and two large mallards within four miles of town.

On Oct. 26 word was received of the death of the mother of Thomas Turner, Charlotte “Charley” Turner, and Mrs. Hattie Turner Niemeyer. Also that day Hannah Swanson (Mrs. Henry Laverne) Goodrich, 33, died at their home five miles southwest of New Rockford. That morning she had felt better than she had for a long while. She had “eaten heartily” of New York Concord Grapes and was sitting on her bed talking pleasantly with her physician Dr. G.W. Murphy when, without warning, she collapsed backward on the bed. Dr. Murphy worked on her an hour before pronouncing her dead. An examination revealed the cause of death as internal hemorrhages. She had been married at the home of her parents 12 miles northwest of New Rockford on Dec. 23, 1903. Her husband survived her and “she was ere long to become a mother.” Her funeral was on the afternoon of Oct. 28 in the Congregational Church. Interment was in the cemetery north of town. [Her tall, gray gravestone in Prairie Home Cemetery is inscribed, “HANNAH Wife of H.L. GOODRICH DIED Oct. 26, 1904, AGED 33yrs. 7 mos. And 8 Days. Tho’ lost to sight, to memory dear.” It rests on a gray base carved with “GOODRICH,” which is on a larger block of stone. There are similar stones for her husband, 1867-1923, and her mother, 1837-1927. There is also a smaller, flat gray stone with “HANNAH GOODRICH 1871-1904” carved on it, along with similar stones for her husband and mother. There is no mention of a baby.]

On Oct. 26 and 27, George A. Lovell was in from eastern Eddy County.

The Oct. 28, 1904, “Transcript” contained an editorial backing increased jurisdiction for the county court because it would save money for the taxpayers.

Hunters were starting to bag a few geese.

The Ionic Chapter 39, Order of the Eastern Star, had recently passed a resolution of sympathy for the family of deceased member Nellie Davidson Streeter.

Attorney James A. Manly was having new brick office building constructed kitty-corner southwest from the court house. [It’s still there.] Elias Saad had a small building erected at his former location that he would use as a general store until a larger one was constructed.

Gus Larson had rented the P.J. Butler farm six miles west of New Rockford.

George Fields had been appointed as the Tiffany postmaster after the resignation of A.L. Jermo for health reasons. Jermo and his family were planning on moving to California.

On the afternoon of Oct. 28, some grain stacks next to George Fugina’s barn caught on fire, but the barn was saved.

On Oct. 28 and 29, teachers’ examinations were given in the court house.