Canistota, McCook Co., SD History

CANISTOTA’S SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY 1884 -1959
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE FIRST SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF LIFE IN
CANISTOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA

Originally written by JOHN H. SCHLUETER and WENDALL ANDERSON in 1959
Copyrighted 1959 by J. Schlueter and W. Anderson

DEDICATION....

In commemorating the 75th anniversary of the city of Canistota, it seems only fitting and proper that this publication be dedicated to the pioneers of that city and it’s surrounding community. To these men and women go the credit of not only founding our little city, but also providing many of the fine advantages we enjoy today, as citizens of Canistota and community; as well as the state of South Dakota and this great nation of ours. Theirs has been the inspiration that has caused
others to carry on the work of keeping this community one of which we of today, are proud to be a part of.

We can picture this community in early 1884. A vast prairie, with but a smattering of settlers scattered among the wide acres. Here and there a homesteader’s shack, inhabited by families, who had moved here from eastern states -- led on by the many stories of great opportunities of the Dakota Territory.

Their’s was not an easy life! At times it seemed that everything went against them -- even nature herself. The winters were severe, with extreme cold and raging blizzards. The summers were
hot, and often dry, during which time they saw the crops on which they had worked so hard, wither away because of the lack of moisture and the hot sun. It was during those summers that the prairie fires were a constant threat, not only to crops and homes, but life itself. Threats of Indian uprisings were also prevalent, much of the time.

However, even though some did give up and head back east, there were many pioneer families who did not give up, but stayed to fight for their homes.

These were the fine people who had the faith in this community. The task was indeed difficult; the trials and tribulations numerous. However, it was their foresight and energy that built the churches, the homes, schools, farms and businesses which are a part of our present living.

May we, the generation of today, build with the confidence and sureness, as they did who came before us.

Cameron..

FORERUNNER OF CANISTOTA AND
FIRST COUNTY SEAT OF McCOOK COUNTY

No history of Canistota would be complete, without first beginning with a few paragraphs concerning the little town of Cameron, which made its early appearance on the great plains of
this area, sometime in the 70’s.

On June 15th, 1878 Wm. S. Wells, David Manary and Isaac Manary met at Cameron to organize McCook county, with the following officials chosen on that same day:John D. Cameron, register of deeds; Walter Price, treasurer; James Manary, sheriff; Andrew Burger, superintendent of schools; Simon Wells, county judge; G. D. Gross, attorney and surveyor; John Hutchinson, Chris Soft and Peter Muench, justices; H. G. Miller, David Manary and Lars Harris, constables. Cameron was named the county seat.

J. D. Cameron, founder and namesake of Cameron, had the town platted in August of 1878, but did not get around to filing the plat until July 27th, 1880. He did not plow the furrows marking the streets and alleys until the following August.

At the time of the platting of the town-site, Mr. Cameron, it is said, offered a lot to anyone who would build on it. In testimony of his faith in the new town, Mr. Cameron built the Cameron Hotel. Another hotel, the McCook Hotel, was built by Peter Muench.

The Cameron Pioneer, formerly the Rockport Pioneer, made its first appearance under a Cameron date line on May 2, 1879. Cameron was growing, having a total of 32 buildings, with at
least three going up every week. Advertisers in the first Pioneer included Clark and Bullard, Pioneer Store; Cameron’s Store; Cameron and McCook Hotels; Wells House; Lidden and Avery, Lumber; Tabor Brothers, flour and feed; Davis and Co., and Stockman and Co., contractors; Dr. D. A. Smith; George Highsley, blacksmith; Fred Roever, hardware and tinsmith; Howard and Berry, saloon.
There was a stage from Cameron to Sioux Falls, with two trips daily. The little town had awaited the appearance of a railroad from Sioux Falls, through Cameron, and on to Mitchell. However,
the chances had slipped fast and soon were forgotten.

By the time that the Pioneer reached Volume 2; Number 1, in 1880, the Cameron ads were very meager. The stage, which had been running twice a day, had changed and there was a tri-weekly stage from Sioux Falls to Rockport. Some of the businesses had now left the town and had moved to Marion Junction and Bridgewater.

Cameron was putting up a good fight to hold the county seat. However, because of its location and the fact that it was not a railroad town, the fight was lost in May of 1880, and Bridgewater
became the county seat.  However, Bridgewater’s good fortune was also short-lived. An election was held in 1882 to name the county seat. After the votes were canvassed it was found that 887 votes had been cast, giving Salem the nod for the honors, by a margin of 66 votes. 

In 1883, the Chicago, Northwestern Railroad built its line from Hawarden to Huron, by-passing Cameron. A new town-site was laid out about a mile northwest of Cameron, and is now known as Canistota. That was the end of the little town of Cameron.
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JOHN D. CAMERON

The following is an excerpt taken from the files of the Clipper of March 18, 1915, concerning Mr. John D. Cameron, founder of the town of Cameron:

"John D. Cameron was one of the best known men in the territory of Dakota during the time of his residence here. He was the central figure in many of the early day experiences. He was a
brilliant man and a man with the nerve to tackle most any proposition which looked as though it might yield money. He was a plunger of plungers and like all such men had his ups and downs."

Religious Services Begin In 1878

Most of the early settlers in this area were people, who had in earlier years immigrated from European countries and had settled in eastern states. Many were deeply religious people, and it was not long before the need of spiritual guidance for themselves and their children became a necessity.

A Sunday school was started in Cameron in July of 1879, with I. G. Carter as superintendent. The first preaching service in Cameron was announced in September of 1879, with Joshua Watson as the preacher. Mr. Watson came to this community in 1878, and was soon active in religious work in this area. Services were held in a school house. The Presbyterian church was established in the small town on June 10, 1879.

In March of 1880, the Rev. Andrew Mueller, a Lutheran Missionary at large for South Dakota, first came to this community, and began preaching services in school houses and homes of the area.
As the community became more thickly settled more men took up the work and various church congregations were established.

Churches of Canistota and Community

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

The history of our church begins back in the year 1878. In that year the town of Cameron, which was located about one mile southeast of Canistota, was established. The First Presbyterian Church of Cameron was organized on Tuesday, June 10, 1879, with thirteen members, by a commission from the Presbytery of Fort Dodge. Ministers present for the organizational meeting were Rev. E. H. Avery and Rev. W. S. Peterson. Two ruling elders were elected and installed.

The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Peterson in October, 1878. In the summer of 1879 Rev. J. B. Currens began his labors at Cameron in connection with Bridgewater and other
points. Rev. Currens was a missionary who lived in Parker. In June 1880, Rev. T. A. Shaver took up his residence at Bridgewater. He also preached at Cameron and Marion Junction until the fall of 1881. He was followed by Rev. Thomas Bayne whose headquarters were in Montrose.

Many of the buildings were moved out of Cameron when the railroad failed to materialize. However, when the Northwestern Railroad did come through the area, the town of Canistota was started. The church of Cameron was transferred to Canistota, and a church building was erected. It was the first church building in town, and other denominations used the building until they could build their own.

In 1913 a basement was put under the building. In more recent years the basement has been modernized, and an oil furnace added. The sanctuary has also received attention through memorial gifts. In 1953 the organ was added.

Over sixty years ago the Missionary Society was organized by Miss Anna McCauley. The Ladies Aid has been very active through the years. In more recent years the Missionary Society and the Ladies Aid have worked as one group called the Ladies Aid. A missionary program is part of each meeting.

Other organizations have contributed to the growth of the church. The choir has provided music for the worship service and special occasions. The Mariner’s Club, organized in 1949 by a group of young adults, has served in many ways. The Church School has provided training and instruction in Christian living. The Westminster Fellowship has been a source of leadership training and fellowship for the growth of the church.

The Presbyterian Pastors who have served our church are as follows: William Peterson, J. B. Currens, T. A. Shaver, Thomas Bayne, Thompson, A. C. McCauley, C. I. Wilkins, Benjamin Swede, A. C. Roos, Lloyd Jackson, and Robert I. Larsen. At present Rev. August Ewert is supplying our pulpit.

Some early Church School superintendents are as follows: Tom Toland, Walter McCullough, Mrs. Mae Rose, Mrs. Anna Haas, and Mrs. Annie Halgerson.

Since its beginning at Cameron we feel that our church has been an active force in the growth and development of our community. The Lord’s blessing has supported her in her work. "The Faith of our Fathers" must be our faith as we follow in their steps seeking ever to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge of God’s love to our world.

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ZION LUTHERAN

It was in March, 1880 when the Rev. Andrew Mueller, missionary at large for Dakota, first came to this community to serve the scattered Lutherans with the Word and Sacrament. Seven Lutheran families were found northeast of the present site of Canistota, and the first Lutheran service was held in the Conrad Kirchner home. The first child baptized in the region was Elizabeth, the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Peter Beisel.

More Lutheran families were found in other parts of the community and for a number of years services were alternately held at various homes and school houses. It soon became evident that in order to adequately serve Lutherans in this community, services should be held in Canistota. The first service was held on the second Christmas Day of 1884 in the George Buehner store
building. Services were then held regularly in various places in town.

After Easter of 1885 the people decided to organize a congregation. About twenty members signed the constitution. In May of that year the congregation called its first pastor, graduate Phillip Laux, who had previously preached here as a student. He was promised an annual salary of $200.00. Pledges were taken for a parsonage, and in short order pledges amounting to $400.00 had been received.

The board of directors then purchased three lots and erected a parsonage and barn. The parsonage still stands on the same location, and is now owned and occupied by the Tom Richey family. Rev. Laux established a parochial school, and classes were held in the newly erected parsonage. Services were now held in the newly erected public school building.

On February 26, 1892, the congregation decided to erect a new church building 30 x 50 feet, with a height of 16 feet and a balcony with a depth of 14 feet. They decided on a church tower
of a proper height, some 60-65 feet. The contract for building the church was given to Mr. Herman Lembcke of Sioux Falls for $1950.00. The corner stone of the new church was laid on May 26, 1892.

In 1902 a new parsonage was built, north of the new church structure, and dedicated on December 8 of that year. Three years later a second room was built onto the parochial school building. In 1907 the interior of the church building was renovated with tin covering the walls and ceiling.

In 1911 a new Vocahn organ was purchased for $500.00. During the next two years the property was beautified by the planting of trees. In 1912 the congregation decided to join Synod as a voting member. In the same year the Ladies Aid, which has been in existence for some time, formally organized.

Electric lights were installed in both the church and parsonage in 1913. On July 10th of the same year, the first English service was held, and conducted by Rev. August Sauer, pastor of the church at that time. During the following year a new school house 30 x 50 feet, was constructed and is still used as an educational building for Sunday School, Saturday School and Vacation Bible school.

In 1918 the young people organized a Walther League and joined the International Walther League of North and South Dakota. The young people still have a Walther League. And are still
affiliated with the national organization.

For some years, the need of a remodeled or new parsonage was discussed, and finally in 1929 the present parsonage was constructed. The old parsonage was retained and was used as the
home for teachers of the parochial school.

The church had a Sunday school for many years, but in 1938 was reorganized with six teachers. The same year the Pastor began editing the Sunday bulletin, and has been continued until the
present time. The first vacation Bible school was started in 1943.

During the same year, the old parsonage was sold for $400.00, and the money was used to start a building fund for a new church structure. The same year the Ladies Aid purchased a used pipe
organ for the congregation.

In 1946 a Men’s club was organized. Later that group became affiliated with the Lutheran Laymen’s League. During the next year repairs were made to the church building to the extent of
installing a new furnace and repainting the structure.

At the annual meeting in 1949, a committee was chosen to consult with an architect, regarding the the building of a new church structure. However, later the project was dropped for the time
being.

By the time of the annual meeting of 1950, the need of a new church structure became more apparent, and a planning committee was selected to look further into the prospects of building. At a special meeting in February of the same year, the plan for enlarging the church by an addition of 30 by 42 feet was adopted. Ten days later the congregation voted unanimously to proceed with the plans for rebuilding, enlarging and brick facing the church. Church furniture was purchased by the Ladies Aid at a cost of $4,063.00. Some items of furniture was donated as Memorials and the Dossal Box by the Mens Club.

On August 6, 1950 the corner stone laying was held, with the Rev. Elvin Marquardt then of Brooklyn, N. Y., a son of the congregation, preaching the sermon.

The new building was dedicated on Sunday, November 26, 1950. The dedication ceremonies were conducted by the Rev. P. R. Albrecht, pastor of the church. The morning dedication services were conducted with the Rev. A. C. Oberheu preaching the sermon. In the afternoon services were held with the sermon by the Rev. R. C. Beisel, then of Sioux City, Iowa. Rev. Beisel is also a son of the congregation.  That evening a fellowship program was given by the organizations of Zion Lutheran church.  After the dedication services the congregation was able to complete the payment for the remodeling and building of the new church structure.

Shortly after this the congregation purchased the new Connsonata electric organ, which had been loaned to them for their dedication services. Since then the entire church property, bordering elm and fourth streets has been enclosed with curb and gutter.

Pastors who have served Zion Lutheran church include: Rev. Phillip Laux, 1885-87; Rev. Leopold Krueger, 1888-91; Rev. Herman Meyer, 1890-93; Rev. Karl Karsetensen, 1893- 1904; Rev. A. F. Breihan, 1905-10; Rev. August Sauer, 1910-23; F. Freese, 1923-36; Rev. A. C. Oberheu, 1938-49; and Rev. P. R. Albrecht 1950-.

Teachers, other than the pastors, who have taught in the parochial school included: F. W. Finke, 1915-17; Julius Strelow, 1918-19; Teacher, 1921 to November 1922; Walter Korte, 1925-28;
Helen Freese, 1928-29; Elmer Eggert, 1929-30; and Edwin Rohlck, 1930-33. In the fall of 1933, because of depression and rough financial problems, the congregation did not open their school, and it has not been opened since that time.

The congregation has grown through the years and now numbers 385 communicant and 530 souls.

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FIRST METHODIST

The Rev. J. P. Jenkins, pastor of the Methodist church in Salem preached a few sermons in the newly platted town of Canistota in 1883.

During, the following year, 1884, Rev. Wm. Thomas, pastor of the Methodist church in Bridgewater came to Canistota and occasionaly preached to the people. About this time B. D. L. Dudley came to town and engaged in business. At this time a class of seven members was organized. Those who were charter members were: Mr. And Mrs. Dudley, Mr. And Mrs. Samuel Tarrell, Mr. And Mrs. Christian Bolle and Mrs. A. Scobie. The Salem and Canistota churches were served as a charge for the following three years.  In 1885 the class was increased to nine members by the addition of Mr. And Mrs. James Knox. Public services were held in a school
building, which was destroyed by fire. Then services were held in the C. and N. W. depot and later in an unfurnished saloon building; and then during the period from 1886 until 1893 in the
Presbyterian church building.

In 1886, the class was increased to seventeen by the joining of Mrs. John Manary, Mr. Sherman, Sr., Mr. And Mrs. Spaulding, Sr., the Misses May and Carrie Morgan and Miss Jessie Scobie.
In 1893, under the pastorate of Rev. J. G. Corwin, the Canistota church was served from Bridgewater.

The Rev. W. Underwood served the Bridgewater and Canistota churches during the years 1893-1896. It was during this time that the Canistota church was built. The building was started during
the month of Oct. 1895 and finished at a cost of $2,000.00. The church extension society loaned $250.00 and the Ladies Aid paid $500.00. The church was dedicated free of debt.

In 1900, the Rev. Mr. Miller was appointed to Canistota, with the Riverside congregation attached. In 1901, the Riverside group was detached from Canistota and two country points were added, with the Rev. W. A. Thurston being appointed pastor. A parsonage was built during this time, costing $1,100.00.

It was during the second pastorate of the Rev. I. P. Potter that the addition was built on to the parsonage, which greatly increased its capacity, as well as its appearance.

Many improvements have been made since the church was raised and a full basement built. The entrance, which had been to the south, was relocated on the east side of the building.

The parsonage was built in 1902 and in about 1913, a two story addition was built, adding two rooms to the house, greatly improving it. In 1934, the water and sewer were brought in and the new bath room added, making it a very comfortable home.

Later, however, it was felt, by the members of the congregation that a new home should be built for their ministers, and so in 1954 the old parsonage was sold, and in the following year, Rev.
Royal Marty and family moved into the congregation’s new parsonage, which is a ranch type dwelling.

The church has made a steady growth, down through the years. The congregation now numbers 254 members.  Plans are now being made for a new House of Worship, and a building fund for such purpose has been started.

The following pastors have served the Canistota Methodist congregation: The Rev. J. P. Jenkins, Primo Donna, fore runner, the John the Baptist of all that has come to pass; Wm. Thomas, L. B. Wiles, M. E. Nickerson, J. G. Corwin, Wm. Underwood, R. N. Kratz, N. L. Nitch, J. P. Potter, A. W. Thurston, Rev. Mr. Hendricks, Rev. Mr. Knight, I. B. Sevey, F. Ondrozeck, J. R. Krins, I. P. Potter, Edgar E. Saxton, O. P. Jackson.  O. M. Freeman, J. Herbert Spencer, C. Eldon Stuck, Rev. Stimpke, Geo. Walton, C. E. Bates, E. E. Vernon, C. C. Boslough, Rev. Glade Sietsema, Rev. Arthur Gould, Rev. C. D. Bullock, Rev. Robert Barter, Rev. John Whalley and Rev. Royal Marty, the present pastor.

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RIVERSIDE METHODIST

Services in the Riverside area were begun in 1880, by Joshua Watson, who had been born in 1844 in England. Upon his arrival in the United States, in 1866, Mr. Watson settled in the state of
Wisconsin, where he remained until moving to this area in 1878.  He settled on a farm in Grant township, in the Riverside community.

In 1869, while still in Wisconsin, Mr. Watson had obtained a license as a local preacher, and when he came to this area he kept up his work in the religious field.

After starting Sunday schools and holding church services in various places in the county, he began holding services near his home, in the Riverside school house. This group of people was
granted a Certificate of Corporate Existence on June 10, 1885.  The congregation was named "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Grant Township, McCook County, Dakota."

Special services, such as Christmas programs, were held at the Watson home and the children stood at the front of the room beside Mr. Watson to speak their pieces.

It was decided to build a new church structure on a parcel of ground donated by Mr. Watson. George Hoiten was contracted to build the building for $115.00, for a church 24 x 36 x 14. The
contract was dated November 7, 1891. The only other hired labor was that of Thomas Cotie, who did the mason work. The total labor bill was $152.90. and the total cost of the building was $951.06.   At the time of the dedication, the debt of the church was only $141.11.

The first minister to serve the church was Rev. Corwin, who began preaching there in 1892. He also served congregations in Canistota, and Bridgewater. His salary consisted mostly of gifts
from his congregations. His total salary in 1893 was $549, including housing.

In 1893, Rev. Corwin was succeeded by Rev. Underwood. It was during his ministry that the Ladies Aid society and the Epworth League were organized.

During the ministry of H. T. Hitch, who came there in 1898, diptheria broke out in the community and the daughters of Rev. and Mrs. Hitch, Mr. And Mrs. William D. Tarrell and Mr. And Mrs.
Albert Edwards, all died of the dread disease.

During the early years the Riverside congregation was at times with the Canistota circuit, then with Bridgewater, and finally back to Canistota. Hard times at the turn of the century brought
a drop in membership.

In 1907, the church was served by the Rev. F. Ondrozeck. He later married one of the girls of the community, Florence Banning.  On Thursday, July 23, 1925, tragedy struck the church in the form of lightning. It was in the evening, and was first discovered by Mrs. Stark, who was staying with Mrs. Ed Hillary. She immediately telephoned for help, and many people responded to the call. Much of the moveable property inside the structure was saved, but the church building was a complete loss.

Commenting on the fire, the Conference Year Book, 1925 stated "In face of crop failure in that region, the heroic people are rebuilding, and on September 24th, ground was broken for the
basement of a new and modern church. The work is being rushed to complete the building before severe cold weather sets in." The building, however, was not completed by winter.
Beginning with the first Sunday after the fire, services were held in the Old Settlers picnic tent, which had been erected in the grove on the Watson farm, located just across the road south
of the church grounds. When cold weather came, the Harry Sperling home was chosen as the place for services. Beginning in December, services were held in the church basement.

The new Riverside church was dedicated on Sunday, November 28, 1926. Three services were held that day, and noon and evening meals were both served in the church basement. That morning there was a $600 indebtedness, which was taken care of that day. Among those participating in the dedication program were Rev. Harper, Humboldt; Dr. Mahony, Dakota Wesleyan; Dr. Jenkins, district superintendent; and a Dr. Klein. Mr. Joshua Watson, founder of
the church, gave a short talk at the morning services.  The new pulpit and pews were given to the church in 1928, by Dr. A. S. Ortman.

On October 18, 1942, the church celebrated its 50th anniversary, with 60 active members. Special speakers for the event were Dr. I. B. Wood, Sioux Falls; Dr. F. E. Lockridge, Mitchell; and Rev. E. E. Vernon, a former pastor.

Since 1946 there has been an annual Daily Vacation Bible school. The Bible schools are well attended, with usually about 32 students.

In 1950 several new improvements were made, including a new oilburning furnace at a cost of $2040.00. The old 110 volt light plant was also sold, and the church started receiving its electricity through the REA. $165.00 was also spent for the redecorating of the interior of the church building.

The Sunday school has been an important part for the Riverside church. It is now divided into four departments, each having a teacher and an assistant teacher. Attendance each Sunday ranges from 30 to 50.

In the 1920’s many of the Riverside men played on a powerful baseball team, which competed against many other teams of the nearby communities. Zeb Cannon was the outstanding pitcher for this team.

The Ladies Aid society was organized in 1885 with 14 members, with the first meeting held on December 17th. The ladies held dime socials, and suppers for the purpose of making money and fellowship. Many quilts and comforters were also made. Money earned by the ladies has been used for many things including coal, oil, ministers salary, church improvements, etc.

The youth choir was organized in recent years, and is made up of children of elementary grades. The director is Mrs. Clifford Moore.

The Methodist Youth Fellowship has also been organized, with about 15 members. This group meets once each week, and composes the young people’s choir.

Ministers who have served this congregation include: Rev. Corwin, Rev. Underwood, Rev. R. N. Kratz, Rev. Miller, Rev. H. T. Hitch, Rev. I. P. Potter, Rev. I. B. Sevy, Rev. Hendricks, Rev.
Ondrozeck, Rev. J. R. Krins, Rev. E. E. Saxton, Rev. O. M. Freeman, Rev. J. Herbert Spencer, Rev. C. E. Stuck, Rev. J. J. Stimpke, Rev. George T. Walton, Rev. C. A. Bates, Rev. E. E.
Vernon.

Rev. Boslough, Rev. G. W. Sietsema, Rev. Richard O. Moberly, Rev. William Winfree, Rev. Charles N. Thompson, Rev. Lyman Kern, Rev. E. E. Whiteside.

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ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC

A meeting was called March 7, 1894, for the purpose of electing a committee to act as building committee for the building of a Catholic church in Wellington township. Nick Reecy, Sr.,
chairman; J. T. Fritz, Frank Kueter, Wm. Beck, Sr., Theo. Homan and J. B. Even were elected. Up to this time Masses had been said at the Reecy home and the Even school house, for those who were unable to travel the long distance by horse and buggy to Hartford or Parker, and for those that were unable to fast that long.

The plans were to build the church 50 x 36 x 18, with the spire five feet high on a twelve foot base. The Alter space was 18 x 24, with the sacristy on each side 8 x 7 x 8. Mr. Lampkie of
Canistota drew up the plans. He also offered the lowest bid and was awarded the contract for the sum of $3,000.00. He was to have it completed by October 1, 1894. Mr. Charles Beaumont donated five acres of land for the church, with the understanding that if the was moved or torn down, this land would be reverted to its original owner. Bishop Marty consented to the building of the church, so everyone looked forward to its completion.

1894, turned out to be a dry year, and although farmers planted their crops, no spring rains were in evidence. The fore part of the summer continued dry. By June 11, 1894, their crops were a
complete failure, and another meeting was called for the purpose of stopping the erection of the church. However, the decision was lost by a unanimous vote, and work continued with members
contributing their labor to bring down the cost of the structure.  According to the contract, the name of the church was the "German St. Joseph Catholic Church." Mr. Nick Reecy, Sr., and Wm. Beck, Sr., were named the first trustees. The first Mass was said by Father Links, but Father Grabig was the first parish priest. He drove a livery team from Bridgewater every Sunday to say Mass.

The first children to be baptised in the new church were Mannie Beck, John Even, Bernard Mathieu, Henry Ziegler and Catherine Beaner. They had all been born during the construction of the church, and all were baptised the same day.

The first marriage performed in the church was performed on January 8, 1895, when Annie Beck and Herman Stalting became man and wife. Mr. Feckler was the first person buried in the church
cemetery.

In the early days, the church used benches as alters and this continued until March 5, 1906, when the congregation purchased light oak with gold trimmed alters. Materials were also purchased
this same year for a new confessional. Father O’ Hara acted as chairman. He and Father Birk were the priests serving Wellington that year.

In 1908, Fathers Monaghan, Sack and Schnider served as priests. All had other parishes to attend to, so Wellington had a new priest nearly every Sunday. During that year the fence and walk were put in with Lizzy Beck donating the new front gate.

In 1909, Mr. Kienie of Humboldt built the new rectory. During the first part of the year, the congregation was served by Father Brady. On September 1, 1909, Father Victor was assigned to the parish, and he moved into the new parish house on October 29, 1909.

In the early years both confirmation and first communion services were held in the church, with the priest driving many miles on Saturdays to teach catechism to the young people of the parish.
Following Father Victor, Father Hussy served the parish for a short time, and in 1913 Father Luwig was assigned to Wellington and stayed until 1930. Following this the church was made a
mission of Humboldt, with the same priest serving both congregations. Father Manning, who then served the two congregations lived in Humboldt, so St. Joseph’s rectory was left
vacant. For some time it was rented out, and in 1939 it was purchased and moved by the William Kueter family to their farm.

In 1903 the choir society held a picnic in the Reecy grove. With the money received from the picnic they purchased the church’s first organ and other little things needed to make the little
church the well equipped and fine church it is yet today. As the first picnic was such a big success they were continued annually. The ladies always served a big supper in the evening, and this was followed by a program. As they continued to grow, the Alter society was formed, to assist in the promotion of the big day.  All of the ladies of the parish belonged to this society and the picnics were continued until 1943. All but one of the picnics were held in the Reecy grove.

The Altar society remained very active through the years, until the financial status of the church looked well, after which the group became inactive.

In 1944, the parish celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with the Bishop attending. Father Manning, who had served the people so faithfully for fifteen years, passed away.

Father Brady came to Humboldt after Father Mannings death and stayed with both parishes until 1947, when Father Corne, the present priest was assigned to the two parishes.

People have very fond memories of the parish’s sixty five years. Couples have been married and babies have been baptised, and yes, the church has seen sorrow too, with the little cemetery filled with the graves of the people who struggled in the early years to build it and those who have helped to keep it operating so efficiently ever since.

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SPRING VALLEY BAPTIST

Located 8 miles south east of Canistota, South Dakota.  For a good many years a group of Baptists held their meetings in a school house 8 1/2 miles south east of Canistota, South Dakota, Spring Valley No. 4.

At about that time they were still affiliated with the German Baptist Church of Emery, South Dakota. Different pastors served the group, one was Rev. J. J. Valkenaar. Later on Rev. O. Olthoff of Emery would come out two Sundays a month. Services would be held in the German language and would be held Sunday forenoon and afternoon. On the other Sundays they would have Sunday school and one of the older men would have a short service.

However, in 1906 the group decided they would organize and become a church by themselves. So a meeting was held on November 29, 1906. Delegates were present from Avon, Chancellor, Delmont, Emanuels Creek and Emery besides our own group. Rev. R. Haak was chosen as chairman. After careful examination and consideration it was decided to organize the group as the Spring Valley German Baptist Church. The name Spring Valley was the name of the township.   The incorporation had been taken care of. There were only 17 members at the time.

Rev. O. Oolthoff continued to serve them for many years. All of the service and the Sunday school were still in the German language.

In 1914 there was a chance to buy the Baptist church building at Bridgewater. Due to members moving away services were discontinued there so we decided to buy it. We hired a mover to
move it to its present location but he only brought it part way, and then deserted it, so another mover was hired and he brought it safely to its destination.

Dedication of the church was held September 27, 1914, Rev. John Valkenaaar, the oldest pastor in the group gave a talk to the young people. In the evening Rev. D. Van Gerpen, preached an English sermon. This was just a start of more English to be used.

In May 1917 Rev. E. Bibelheimer became pastor and at this time it was decided to go in with Unityville. The pastor would preach two Sundays a month at each church. Expenses were shared. By this time some of the classes in one Sunday school were using some English.

During World War I all German services were forbidden. The use of the German language was so strictly forbidden it caused hardships at times. In a letter from Rev. E. Bibelheimer, he wrote how a convention at Unityville and the conference at Tyndall, were all prepared in the German language when the order came. So several of the pastors went to Pierre to see if they could get permission to at least use some German at these places. But no permission was given. Another thing at that time was the flu epidemic. Rev. Bibelheimer wrote that while at first he hesitated going into homes where the flu was, the Lord protected him and he went into many homes to visit the sick but never got it himself. He also reported that he had three weddings and two funeral while he was here. The weddings were: Elmer Knecthel and Lena Johnson; Dick Johnson and Mrs. Annie Buseman; and Fred Buseman and Lena Lankhorst.

After the war was over the German language could again be used and then some of the older folks wanted to go all the way and have it all German again. While we understood the reaction of the older folks we had to think of the younger generation too. Rev. Bibelheimer had said more than once "We must look into the future." In 25 years or less he said "There would be an English
speaking church in Spring Valley or there would not be any at all." How true this was as now we are an English speaking church, with no German at all.

In 1945 the Spring Valley church decided they wanted a full time Pastor, so discontinued sharing with Unityville. Rev. Kenneth Nelson was our Pastor at the time. It was then that our Parsonage
in Canistota was purchased. This was a real undertaking for our small group, and we are very thankful to Vern Knox of Canistota who was so very helpful with the legal part of the purchase, also loaning us part of the money. The Parsonage was dedicated November 11, 1945. A service was held at the church in the afternoon and "open house" at the Parsonage after the service.

Since then we have made improvements at the Parsonage, also at the church. At first we used kerosene lamps in the church; then gas, but now Northern States Power Company has taken over. In August 1952 the steeple of the church was struck by lightning so it had to be taken down and a lower steeple was made.

In January, 1933 a ladies Mission Circle was organized under the leadership of Mrs. J. Rott. There were five members, Mrs. J. Rott, Mrs. Harry Johnson, Mrs. John Woltzen, Mrs. Albert Holkan and Mrs. Katie Buseman. Of these there are three charter members left, Mrs. John Woltzen, Mrs. Harry Johnson and Mrs. Katie Buseman. We still meet once a month, if possible, and as the name implies we stress Mission. We now have ten members.

A young People’s Society was started and has been kept up during the years, even if at times there were not many young people left, but they have been faithful. In many ways the young people have found their place in church work, for which we are truly thankful. They have acted as ushers, Sunday school teachers, Sunday school secretary and treasurer, and helped with Bible
school, some have been pianists, both for Sunday school and church. Among those were Adeline, Delores, Vernetta and Clara Buseman; Lucile Woltzen, Mrs. K. Buseman and Lorene Johnson.

Lorene has served faithfully as pianist for many years. Space will not permit to name all who have helped in so many ways. We are happy to see the younger generation taking their place in the work for the Lord. Membership at present is 60. Two charter members are still living, Mrs. Annie Johnson, now in a Nursing home in Madison, and Mrs. Katie Buseman of Canistota.

Some amusing things happened at times, but we do read, "Necessity is the Mother of Invention." At one Christmas program it was impossible to get an evergreen tree, so a plum tree took its
place, but the children were happy anyway.  I would like to mention several oldtimers who, as you might say, were Pillars of the church. E. E. Johnson served as Deacon and treasurer for many years and he also was ready to serve as Pastor when the regular Pastor was gone. He also donated the ground for the church and cemetery. Klaas Buseman served many years as Deacon, Sunday School teacher and church clerk. He kept the minutes in the German language while his granddaughter, Clara Buseman, served as the English clerk. Fred Johnson was janitor
for many years. John E. Johnson was Deacon and he was Superintendent of the Sunday School for 24 years. Another old timer was Remer Heyer who served in various ways. Services are
still held twice every Sunday and when possible there is also a Thursday evening prayer meeting.

For a number of years there has been a Daily Vacation Bible school held each summer.

Several have gone out for Christian Service. Miss Emma Buseman married a minister, Rev. Wm. Knauf. Mona Benninga married Rev. Wayne Rohrs. Ed Woltzen and Richard Oller are also in Christian Service.

We were served by various students during summer vacation or while waiting for a new Pastor. They were Charles Knapp, Will Voight, Donald Wilcox and Alvin Auch. The following Pastors have served us since we organized as a church by ourselves. They were Rev. O. Olthoff, E. Bibelheimer, Herman Lohr, Jacob Rott, Wm. Sturhahn, Arthur Schultz, Kenneth Nelson, Alvin Wetter, Eldon Seibold, Gordon Huisinga and the present Pastor is Walter Goltz. Our present Sunday School superintendent is Marlyn Davis; Sunday School secretary and treasurer, Harry Johnson; Church clerk, Mrs. John G. Buseman.

May we as the Spring Valley Baptist church continue to serve the Lord and Master and be a witness to others.

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The Mulhall Boom...

One of the factors in the settlement of Canistota communities in the late nineties, was the Mulhall boom. During the later years of the last decade of the nineteenth century, this group, coming
from the Sioux City area, came into this part of South Dakota and bought up a large amount of land.

Groups of carpenters then came into the country and built houses and barns on the various quarters of land held by this group. The houses were of the 1 1/2 story variety, and were about 14 x 26 feet in size. The barns were of the shanty roof type, large enough for from four to six head of horses. The farms were then sold for $2800.00 per quarter, and paid on the crop payment basis.

The boom of immigrants settling these farms then came in 1898, according to reports from some of the old-timers.

Although there were a lot of Mulhall farms in the area, one that is probably known by most of the people here, is the Clarence Tarrell farm, north of Canistota. This farm was originally purchased from the Mulhalls’ by H. I. Johnson, who later sold it to Mr. Tarrell and then moved out to the west coast.

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Organizations and Clubs..

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

The businessmen of Canistota, down through the years, have had their civic organizations. They have at various times been called, the "Commercial Club" and the "Community Club." These
various clubs have flourished for a few years at a time, then would dwindle down and be forgotten for a few years.

Looking through the files of the Clipper it can be seen that these groups have done much for the city from time to time. Included in their projects were the securing of roads leading into the city; attempts to get a lake and other recreational facilities for the community; farmer-merchants fellowships and get-togethers; free movies; free entertainments; graveling bees; and many other notable projects.

Much credit for making Canistota for what it is today goes to the businessmen and farmers who have been members of these organizations from time to time.

In 1952, after some years of a commercial club, it was decided to attempt to have a Lions club for the city of Canistota. A meeting of business men was held at the Ortman clinic on February 19th, 1952 for the purpose of organizing such a club.

At that meeting it was decided to have a Lions club, and temporary officers were elected as follows: C. D. White, president; Dale Kostboth, vice-president; Dr. Stanley Weiland,
secretary-treasurer; Vernon Klinkel, Lion Tamer; Terry Connolly, tail twister; and John H. Schlueter, Dr. Herbert Ortman, Bertie Kostboth and Dale Knox, directors

On Friday evening, April 18 of that same year, the charter night was held at the Lutheran church. A program was held, with Dean Patterson as the speaker of the evening. District Governor Frank J. Winfield, presented the charter to the new club. Lion Webster of the Parker Lions, our sponsor, presented the president with a gong and gavel, compliments of the Parker group.

The Lions club has continued to grow during the past seven years, and has done much toward civic improvements in the city. One of their projects have been the sponsoring of baseball in the city. During the past years they have sponsored the Corn Belt League team from Canistota. One year they played host to the district amatuer baseball tournament. Some years ago they took over the sponsorship of the junior-junior baseball program of the city. It continued to grow to the point where it was found necessary to start another group of younger boys, called the midgets.

The group played an important part in helping promote the main street paving project and the building of the new addition to the Canistota public school.

In 1955 they sponsored Miss Connie White as Canistota’s representative in the Miss South Dakota Pageant at Hot Springs. Miss White brought home honors for not only herself and the Lions Club but also for the entire city and community, by winning the title of "Miss South Dakota" and representing the state in the Miss America contest.

Each year, the group has sponsored an annual athletic banquet for boys participating in athletics at the local high school. This has become an event looked forward to by all our high school
boys.

The Lions International, has as one of its main projects, the aid to the blind and sight preservation. Again the local club has come forward with help to the blind, and has helped in having the eyes of needy children fitted to glasses.  This year the Lions club has been active in the drive to build a medical center in Canistota. This building will be completed and dedicated.

The club now has a total of forty eight members.

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FIRE DEPARTMENT

The early files of the Clipper show that Mr. Hammond used much space in the columns of his paper to spread the message of the dire need of good fire protection for the village of Canistota.
He advocated for years, the need of a water system for the purpose of fire protection.

Finally in 1909, interested people agreed that the time had come for a water system to furnish fire protection for the city. It was also stated that said water system could be used for commercial use if desired. However, before the village could be bonded, it was necessary to take a census to see if the population had reached a total of 350 people which was the minimum population required before a village could bond itself.

The census was taken in March of that year, and showed a total of 379 people living within the corporate limits of the village.On April 6, 1909, the board opened the bids for a new tower and
tank, and laying of water mains. The contract was then let to W. L. Bruce for a total of $8,960.00. It was at that time that the work on putting up the present tower and tank was begun. Lew
Landsdowne did the ditch work for the mains, doing all the digging by hand. It was found that a new well and pump were also needed, and July 31 of that year the new pump was started and
water was being pumped into the new supply tank. Total cost of the project came to about $11,000.00 according to the Clipper of that time.

The next thing needed was a fire department, so a meeting for the organization of such a group was held on August 25, 1909, with C. J. Uecker acting as temporary chairman and Ben Graf as temporary secretary. At that same meeting the new group was named "Canistota Volunteer Fire Department."

Officers elected to hold office until the regular November election included John F. Muehl, foreman; Ben Graf, secretary; Geo. H. Dawson, treasurer; and E. D. Ritter, W. C. Uecker and M.
J. Beisel, trustees.

The first regular election named the following fireman as officers of the group: J. E. McCarty, Chief; Wm. Timmerman , Chas. Uecker, assistant chiefs; J. F. Muehl, foreman; Wm. Vellow,
Fred Haas, assistant foreman; Ben Graf, secretary; Chas. Uecker, treasurer; and J. F. Muehl, Hardy Van Woert and Chris Spaulding, trustees.

In the early days the equipment included hose carts that were pulled to the scene of the fire by hand. However, at the Feb., 1914 meeting it was agreed to pay the draymen a fee for pulling
the carts to the fire. It was decided to pay the first drayman at the station a fee of $2.50, and the second one $1.50 for the job. As a result, it became quite a race among the draymen of the
village to see who could be the first at the station, after a fire call. The next year, it was decided pay $1.00 to the drayman taking a hook and ladder truck to the fire.

The local department’s First Annual Fireman’s Ball was held on April 16, 1920. The music was furnished by the Uecker’s Bros. Orchestra. The group also served a supper at the ball, netting
$31.85 from the supper and $69.62 from the ball, which included $38.50 in donations.

On March 26, 1923, it was decided to pay each member a fee of $.50 for each meeting attended; and a fine of $.25 for each meeting missed.

On July 28, 1924, it was decided to buy an electric fire siren with three horse motor for the sum of $200.00. The following month central was instructed to blow siren at 7:00 o’clock every
morning with the exception of Sunday mornings. The first time the siren was used to call the fire department into action was on October 22, 1924, when they were called to the Mrs. Chas Kostboth residence to put out a blaze in the barn.

During the 1920’s a chemical cart was added to the department’s equipment. It too, had to be drawn to the fires, and when called to out-of-town fires, it was usually loaded into a truck and
hauled to the scene of the fire.  In 1931, the chemical truck became motorized, when it was mounted on a used Model A Ford. Later the one hose cart was also mounted on another Model A, and both are still in existance and in use by the department today.

The department celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary on August 27, 1934 with a supper for the firemen and their families at the Pink Hall. Entertainment was furnished by John Uecker’s "Kid
Band." According to the minutes of that date, the fiftieth anniversary will be in August of this year, 1959.

After some time of stressing the needs of a pumper truck for the city of Canistota; the firemen’s dream became a reality in 1945, when such a truck was purchased by the city of Canistota. The
election, asking the voters of the city for permission to buy such a truck was held on April 17, 1945 and carried by a vote of 41-35.

In 1953, firemen saw the need of another pumper truck __ one that could safely be used for farm fires. Meetings were called to discuss matters of a rural fire truck with farmers and land owners of this area. Farmers became interested, formed an association, and collected enough money through a membership drive to find it advisable to order a new farm truck.

The new farm truck went into use during the year 1954, and now the local department has the use of two fine pumper trucks, modern in every way, besides the old hose cart and chemical
truck.

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MERRY MATRONS

The MERRY MATRONS EXTENSION CLUB was organized in 1930.
Mrs. Joiner, formerly of Syracuse, N. Y., was Home Agent, Mabel Watson was Chairman and Margaret Snow was Secretary and Treasurer until 1937.

In 1936 Mabel Watson attended the "Extension Federation of Womens Clubs" at Washington, D. C., as a representative of McCook County.

The officers for the years respectively for 1937-41 were Mabel Watson, President; Pearl Watson, Vice President; and Opal Ortman, Secretary and Treasurer. Annabelle Brake was Home Agent.  The new officers for 1941-42 were Bertha Way, President; Pearl Watson, Vice President; Opal Ortman, Secretary and Treasurer. Miss Dorothy McLaughlin was Home Agent. One of the most interesting projects of the year was a "Book Club" of which Zina Shebal was chairman. Another interesting project was "Music Appreciation," which was planned and given by Vivian Raab at each meeting.

Officers for 1942-43 were Bertha Way, President; Mabel Watson, Vice President; and Opal Ortman, Secretary and Treasurer. There were eighteen members.

Officers for 1943-44 were Opal Ortman, President; Vivian Raab, Vice President; and Mabel Watson, Secretary and Treasurer. There were nineteen members. Twenty - two County Home Extension Club Women entered feature stories in the "Country Feature Writing Contest." Zina Shebal placed 1st in the division of "How to Put Extension Club practice to Work for Me." Bertha Way received honorable mention. Vivian Raab ranked second on "How Home Extension Clubs Helped our Community."

The 1944-45 officers were Opal Ortman, President; Martha Leesch, Vice President; and Pearl Watson, Secretary and Treasurer. "The Come Join Us" and "Merry Matrons" entertained at a tea, in the library for the Reading Chairmen and Librarians of the County. Mabel Watson and Robin Merritt poured. Grace Simons, Home Agent and Miss Mercedes McKay, state librarian from Pierre were guests.

Officers for 1946-47 were Lillian Apland, Pres.; Alma Scott, Vice Pres; and Pearl Watson, Sec. And Treasurer.

1947-48 officers were Eleanor McKay, Pres.; Lillain Apland, Vice Pres.; and Pearl Watson, Sec. And Treas, "Tom Brennemans Breakfast" sponsored by McCook County Extension Clubs, was held in Salem, with 28 ladies present from Canistota.

1948-49 same officers held over. Twenty-one members. Two boxes of clothing was sent to Germany.

1949-50 officers Emman Wittrock, Pres.; Dorothy Anderson, Vice Pres.; and Pearl Watson, Sec. And Treas.

1950-51 officers, Lyda Wingert, Pres.; Hertha Jerman, Vice Pres.; and Pearl Watson, Sec. And Treas. Mrs. Richard Kaufman was Home Agent.

1951-52 same officers held over. Grace Simons was Home Agent.

1952-53 officers were Hertha Jerman, Pres.; Mabel Watson, Vice Pres.; and Pearl Watson, Sec. And Treas.

1953-54 officers were Jennie Davis, Pres.; Mabel Watson, Vice Pres,; and Pearl Watson, Sec. And Treas.

1954-55 same officers held over.

1955-56 same officers held over. Club studied "Drivers Manual" as a project to promote "Traffic Safety."

1956-57 officers were Delores Weiland, Pres.; Eleanor McKay, Vice Pres.; and Pearl Watson, Sec. And Treas. The Club used Indian Pottery or a Hobby Booth at Salem on Achievement Day.

1957-58 officers were Lennie Tarrell, Pres.; Eleanor McKay, Vice Pres.; and Pearl Watson, Sec. And Treas. Lillian Apland passed away. Mabel Watson was honored as 25 year member at fall meeting in Salem.

1958-1959 same officers held over. From previous year. Mary Fleming is our Home Agent. Our club has always given a dollar a year to the Susan Wilder Student Loan Fund at Brookings.

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COME JOIN US

The Come Join Us Extension Club was organized in the fall of 1930 at the home of Mrs. Martin DeKramer with about ten or twelve ladies joining at the time. Some of the charter members still
belong.

During the years there have been 79 ladies join the club and the average membership has been about 24.

Some have passed away during these years, dropped out or moved away.

Lessons given during these years have been on all phases of home making including, preparing foods health, music, reading, gardening, child care, care of the sick, entertaining, decorating, canning Christmas gifts and many others.

The club has contributed to various types of welfare work and to various funds including cancer fund, polio fund, Red Cross and Children’s Home. This past year, 1958 , they gave cookies to the people in the Home for Aged at Marion.

Two members attended the Rest Camp in the Black Hills, namely Mrs. Ben Neuberger in June 1948 and Mrs. Ralph Wrage in 1946.   Some years the club has made trips to various places of interest. This year 1959 a trip by bus is planned to visit the Feeble-Minded School at Redfield.

An Extension Club is a very interesting group to work with and a very worthwhile organization.

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BUSY DO’ERS

The Busy Do’ers Extension Club was organized February 16, 1956. The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Duane Wrage, with seven women present. The third Thursday of each month was set as regular club date. The club now has eleven members, who are: Catherine Tieszen, Joy Parry, Jean DeKramer, JoAnne Addy, Lois Nugteren, Audrae DeNuei, Dorothy Wrage, Gerry Waechter, Eunice Otto, Lanelle DeKramer and Lorene Hora.

In addition to the regular County Extension Activities, the Busy Do’ers also have an annual tour, family night, annual picnic and entertainment at the Fern’s Room.

Since its organization, the Busy Do’ers have sponsored a Safety Poster Contest and have contributed to the Sioux Falls Children’s Home, Hollister School for Retarded Children, Mental Health, Yankton State Hospital, Susan Wilder Fund, and Pennies for Friendship Fund.

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RURIS DUODECIM

In October of 1916, twelve farm women met at the home of Mrs. Myrtle Niedert and formed a study club- "The Ruris Duodecim." The charter members were Mrs. Myrtle Niedert, Mrs. Ethel Smith, Mrs. Eva Boyer, Mrs. Mae Mitchell, Mrs. Arleigh Niedert, Mrs. Louilia Williams, Mrs. Maude Seely, Mrs. Jennie Niedert, Mrs. Bertha Blohm, Mrs. Ruth Blohm, Mrs. Maude Schmitt and Mrs. Dennie Vader. Of this group Mrs. Arleigh Neidert and Mrs. Mae Mitchell are still active club members.

The first officers of the club included Mrs. Myrtle Neidert, president; Mrs. Ethel Smith, vice president; and Mrs. Eva Boyer, secretary-treasurer.

The "Country Dozen" chose as their motto "Utile dulci," the useful with the agreeable, and planned their programs to fit the motto. For a time the Ruris Duodecim was affiliated with the
General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

In the early years, the members planned two social gatherings in addition to their regular meetings. The club was divided into two groups and the six ladies in each group took turns providing dinner and entertainment for all members and their families. The entertainment included minstrel shows, skits, music and recitations.

After World War I, Ruris Duodecim adopted a French war orphan and more recently has sent "Care" packages overseas.

The club is still active and members meet monthly to discuss current events, music, literature, and enjoy a social afternoon.

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CANISTOTA SPECIALS

The Canistota Specials 4-H Club was organized in the year 1944 by Rev. Sietsema with the following boys as charter members; Dale DeKramer, Lyle DeKramer, Carol Stanga, Tom McMartin, and Dean Wittrock.

In 1945 G. W. Sietsema became the leader with eight members in the club.

From 1946 to 1947 Wm. McMartin was the leader with ten members.  Ben White was the leader for the years 1948-50, with five members the first year, nine members in 1949 and eleven members in 1950.

In 1951 Merle Switzer was leader with fourteen members. Norman White, a member was a delegate from South Dakota to attend the Nation Club Congress.

From 1955 to 1957 Dale DeKramer was leader with sixteen members the first year, fourteen members the second year and seventeen members in 1957.

The year of 1958 found Lester Ortman as leader, with thirteen members. Leon rage, a member, was a delegate from South Dakota to attend National Club Congress.

This year with Dale DeKramer as leader, there are fifteen members who are as follows: Roger Morrow, Terry Ortman, Craig Tieszen, Carl and Merlin Murra, Glenn Addy, Leon Wrage, Tommy Klinkel, Steve Clark, Darrell Lauck, Alvin and Glen Scott, Wayne Ortman, Douglas Tyler and Ronnie Addy.

The projects the club members undertake are: gardening, beef, sheep, swine, dairy, handicraft, crops and poultry.

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W. C. T. U.

The present Women’s Christian Temperance Union organization was started about thirty-seven years ago, but we’ve been told that there was also an organization here in pioneer days.

The object of this organization shall be to promote the principles of total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks; to labor in all Christian and practical ways for the complete abolition of the liquor traffic, both state and national; to educate the individual in all religious, temperance, ethical and scientific principles of right living. And to pledge ourselves to labor and prayer that all this founded upon the Gospel of Christ may be worked into the customs of society and the laws of the land to hold and to enforce the prohibitory law, both state and national.

There is also an organization for the children here called "The Loyal Temperance Legion" or L. T. L.

We hope to have an organization for the young people too, which is called "The Youth Temperance Council" or Y. T. C.

The White Ribbon Recruits are the children under six years of age and whose mothers promise to teach them total abstinence. We have had children made Little Recruits at various times during the year past and hope for more.

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Lodges ..

ODD FELLOW

Canistota has had an active Odd Fellow Lodge since 1901. It was on May 4th of that year, that the new organization held its first meeting, with the following six charter members:

C. F. Swartz, Edward Hillary, W. S. Scott, C. F. Malcomb, A. H. Hazel and H. L. Johnson.

The first officers elected at that first meeting were C. F. Swartz as Noble Grand; W. S. Scott, Vice Grand; and Ward Fallgatter, secretary. Grand officers signing the charter were Therow Brown, Grand Master and H. J. Rice, Grand Secretary.

The local lodge has been very active during the past fifty-eight years. They have always helped support the Odd Fellow’s home at Dell Rapids, and at least one of their members, Lou Landsdowne, spent his later years in that home.

One of their members, E. A. Dunn, was the Grand Master of South Dakota for the year of 1956. Another member, Marvin McKay, is at present the deputy Grand Master.

In the early days the members of the Masonic Lodge and of the Odd Fellows joined in building a lodge hall, which still stands, and is commonly known as the "Pink Hall."

At that time they purchased the John Hollander hotel, which stood on the lots now occupied by the Canistota Auto Company. The building was torn down by members of the lodge, moved over to the site of the Pink Hall, and used as lumber in building the present hall. With the exception of the chief carpenter, who was in charge of the work, the building was built entirely through
volunteer labor.

The Odd Fellows now have a membership of 55.

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REBEKAH

The Morning Glory Rebekah lodge was instituted on September 4th 1911, by Sister Edna B. Dan, president of the Rebekah assembly. The following were charter members:  Alpha Spaulding, Mary McCarty, Mary Rooney, Mary Graham, Maggie Spaulding, James Spaulding, E. G. C. Amy, Ethel Smith, and Charles Smith.

On that same evening, the degree staff from Parker, South Dakota, came, and the following class of candidates were initiated into membership: Albert Allen, Louis Arno, Alice Arno, Walter Bergen, Rose Bergen, Tom Murphy, Oren Amy, D. M. Godfrey, David Manary, R. W. Moore, J. E. McCarty, Frank Bise, Nellie Bise, Hattie Murphy, J. C. Pasek, May Pasek, Robert Rooney, Bert Snow, Margaret Snow and Otto Snow.

Sister Mary Rooney was elected and installed as the first Nobel Grand of Morning Lodge at this institution. Alice Amy, Nellie Bise, Mae Godfrey, Hattie Murphy and Arleigh (Hammond) Neidert,
were also among the Nobel Grands to follow in the early years of this organization. Many good deeds were performed by the Sisters and Brothers. They included children’s day programs, entertaining Grand Lodge officers, donating for a library at the I. O. O. F. HOME, with each member making these donations. To help the treasury, they also held bake sales, ice cream socials, suppers, dances, etc.

The early members were very active in attending the district meetings, and county meetings, and visiting other lodges and putting on degree work.

In the year of 1936, the Rebekahs had a food stand for Sports Day.

For a period of seven years, the members met in the afternoons in the homes of the Sister members to save the price of the hall rent. This was from 1937 to 1944. After that they again held
their meetings in the Pink Hall, so that brother members might meet with them.

In 1918, Brother and Sister Mitchell transferred their membership here from Iowa. Carrie Addy, Mabel Watson, Bertha Way, and Olga Lortscher are among our members who have had a long membership in the local lodge. Charles Smith, one of the charter members is still a member of our lodge.

The lodge has been honored by having a Grand Master of the Brother’s lodge, as a member. Brother E. A. (Jack) Dunn, served as Grand Master in the years of 1955-56.

Brother Marvin McKay, another member of the Rebekah lodge, is at the present time 1958-59, acting as Deputy Grand Master.  At the present time the group has a membership of seventy-nine.

Sister Hertha Jerman is the present Noble Grand. They have an active degree staff, Rebekah Circle, and a Past Noble Grands’ club. Both of the social circles are a great benefit to the
lodge, helping in many ways. At the present time the members of the Past Noble Grands’ club are making quilts for the new addition at the Odd Fellows Home in Dell Rapids.

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ORDER OF EASTERN STAR

Patience Chapter No. 61 received its charter in 1900 with the following fifteen people as charter members: Eva Lange, Worthy Matron; J. P. Schaller , Worthy Patron; Margaret Fallgatter,
Assoc. Matron; Josie Armstrong, Abbie Collins, Lizzie Cowen, Fred Dudley, M. A. Lange, Ida McKillop, Jessie McKinnon, P. H. Schaller, Jennie Staples, H. N. Van Woert, Minnie Van Woert,
Melissa Van Woert.

We now have 63 members; five of whom received the degrees more than fifty years ago.

During the last 59 years several members in the chapter have been honored by the Grand Chapter of the State of South Dakota.  Louila Williams, Grand Ada, 1928. Helen B. Kostboth, Grand Page, 1935.  Pearl Dickinson, Grand Representative of the State of Washington, 1939-1940.  Dora Klinkel, Committee on Addresses, 1947.  Helen Kostboth, Grand Representative of California, 1947-1950.  Dora Klinkel, Grand Page, 1948.  Opal Ortman, Grand Page, 1949.  Opal Ortman, Grand Electa, 1950.  Noah Ortman, Asst. Grand Sentinal, 1953.  Clifford White, Asst. Grand Sentinal, 1950.  Opal Ortman, Grand Historian, 1953.  Nerita White, Grand Representative of the State of California, 1955-57.  Winnieburt France, Grand Representative of Alberta, Canada.

The following people have been either Matron or Patron of Patience Chapter and are now Past Matrons and Past Patrons.

Past Matrons - Eva Lang, Margaret Fallgatter, Melissa Van Woert, Abbie Collins, Minnie Van Woert, Alice Slemmons, Lulu Schwartz, Alice Amy, Alice Collins, Mable McCullough Galaher, Edna McKillop Moore, Grace Galvin, Della Davidson, Winnieburt France, Cora Dawson, Iva Scott, Pearl Gordon.  Libbie Graham, Louilla Williams, Beth Halgerson, Hazel Knox, Bernice Potter, Cecil Hanson, Hazel Shaw, Ethel Smith, Alice Smith, Helen B. Kostboth, Pearl Dickinson, Anna Moore, Irene Tyrrel, Pearl Watson, Margaret Snow, Minnie Ebeling, Myrna McGregor, Olga Lortscher, Dora Klinkel, Vivian Raab, Hertha Jerman, Bess Reid.  Opal Ortman, Marguerite Dickinson, Alma Scott, Elizabeth Stanley, Nerita White, Leonora Tyler.

Past Patrons: P. P. Schaller, H. N. Van Woert, Geo. O. White,   John Kilkup. W. J. McCullough, Harry Davidson, Ray Beck, B. G.  Williams, B. B. Shaw, Geo. Potter, Geo. Moore, Harry Collins, R. T. Lortscher.  Everett Raab, Clifford White, John Stanley, Noah Ortman, Harold Scott. 

Our present Matron is Leonora Tyler, and our present Patron is Rufus Lortscher.

During the early years of the organization, the "Pink Hall" was the center of Social Life in the community. Star night was a big night for the members. As soon as chapter closed, Wes Cornwall would get out his fiddle, tune it up and soon everyone was on the floor dancing well into the night, many times until 4:00 in the morning. Other times the Masons were invited, with all having a good time while George Dawson and Fred Dudley put out the wash boiler of milk and what an Oyster stew those two could turn out.  Each year The Grand Matron of South Dakota comes to visit us. On that day we have both afternoon and evening meetings with a
lovely luncheon and dinner.

The order of the Eastern Star is a Christian Charitable Organization. During the past 59 years many needy members have been helped. The Grand Chapter has a fund called E S T E A R L
which we small chapters support, whereby any worthy boy or girl wanting an education to become a minister or any line of religious work will be sent to school. They also have a fund from
which any boy or girl may borrow in order to stay in college. One of our own local girls was helped by this.

We meet the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors of other Chapters are always welcome. We have good times together and remember our older members, also our sick, with gifts of flowers, cards, May baskets, Easter baskets, and Christmas gifts.

We also honor our new mothers with a gift for the baby. We send money and gifts to the Orphans Home at Sioux Falls. Any older member of the Order of the Eastern Star who does not have a home or someone to care for them can find one at our Eastern Star Home at Redfield, South Dakota.

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LODGE NO. 13 A.O.U.W.

During the years of Canistota history, several lodges have been started and then disbanded in later years. Among them was Lodge No. 13, A.O.U.W. Little of its history can be found today.

However, in checking the files of the Clipper, we note that the following officers were elected on Dec. 12, 1902.

A. L. Van Eaton, W. M.; Hardy Van Woert, P. M. W; Al Staples, Foreman; Joseph Velow, Overseer; Hardy Van Woert, Recorder; William Mock, Financier; R. H. Armstrong, Receiver; C. A. Rodgers, Guard; Jas. Manary, I. W.; Richard Bolan, O. W.; Hardy Van Woert, Delegate; and Richard Bolan, Alternate.

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DEGREE OF HONOR NO. 96

Another such early lodge, of which we have learned little of it’s history, is the Degree of Honor lodge. In December of 1902, the following officers were elected to this lodge, according to early
Clipper files;  Mary Buchhanan, Past Chief of Honor; Mary Graham, Chief of Honor; Ella Cornwell, Lady of Honor; Cora Dawson, C of C; Afphie Spaulding, Recorder; Mary Rooney, treasurer; George Dawson, Receiver; May Stevens, Lady Usher; Joseph Velow, I. W.; W. E.
Cornwell, O. W.; Representative to Grand Lodge, Mary Buchhanan; and Alternate, Ella Cornwell.

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YEOMAN LODGE

Another of the early day lodges of which we have learned little, was the Yeoman lodge. In an election of officers in January of 1903, the following were elected:  H. F., W. E. Cornwell; Trea., C. R. Bolan; Cor., Mrs. A. Spaulding; Master Acc’ts., Joel Smith; Physician, Mrs. Pool;
Overseer, Mrs. Mary Buchanan; L. R., Mrs. Maggie Jewell; L. Rebecca, Mrs. Mary Graham; Watch, Chas. Smith; Sent’l., James Malloy; and Guard, Alva Jewell.

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The history of Lodges in Canistota is continued elsewhere in this booklet.

County of McCook . . .

McCook county is located in the east-central section of South Dakota. Its southeastern corner is about 36 miles west of the point where Iowa and Minnesota join South Dakota.

H. C. Miller was the first settler locating at Miller Gulch on the Vermillion river in 1871. The county was created in 1873 and organized in 1878.

The county has a total area of 366,720 acres, with an average elevation of 1,400 feet above sea level. Corn has been the leading crop since 1910.

In the early days the two railroads intersecting the county made it easy to reach a railroad market from any point in the county.   It was stated that there was not a place in the county that was over 12 miles from a railroad market.

Today, the county has three main highways intersecting it. Federal highway 16 from east to west, in the southern part of the county; state highway 38 from east to west, through the center and Federal highway 81, from north to south through the center of the county in the other direction. All are hard surfaced roads.  The county has had many schools __70 being the number listed in
1931, according to Clipper files. Today, many of the rural schools of the county have closed, sending their children to the five city schools in the county. The five city schools all maintained accredited high schools.

Towns of the county are Salem, county seat and largest city; Bridgewater, Canistota, Montrose and Spencer.

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Military . . .

COMPANY BAND

Canistota, at one time had a military band. Perhaps one of the few small towns in the state that could boast of such an organization. The following was taken from the first issue of the Canistota Clipper.

"Very few towns in the state the size of Canistota , can boast of a military band of 23 pieces."

"They have only recently been appointed Company Band of the 1st S. D. S. G. And are furnished a complete military uniform and will go into camp with the regiment at Huron on August 14th, with
flying colors, and we are confident will leave a pleasing impression of Canistota and her people.

"Following is the instrumentation: Tuba, John Schlueter; Bb Bass, George Dawson; Slide Trombone, Bud Spaulding; 1st Tenor, Will Velow; 2nd Tenor, Victor Fallgatter; 1st Alto, Lee Meyers; 2nd Alto, Wm. Derrick; 3rd Alto, Ed. Buchanan; Solo Alto, Phil Schaller."

"Solo Bb Cornet, Elmer Amy, Charles Rose, and Frank Sherwood; 1st Bb Cornet, Henry Schlueter; 2nd Bb Cornet, Orin Amy; Solo Bb Clarinet, Claude Swafford; 1st Bb Clarinet, Henry Schaller; and 2nd Bb Clarinet, Wm. Dunkelman."

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American Legion Auxiliary

The unit to the Jernade Post 162 of the American Legion at Canistota, was organized on February 27, 1923, with eleven charter members. The charter members were: Mrs. Cora Dawson, Miss Libby Dawson, Miss Edith Dawson, Mrs. Lester Mock, Mrs. Mary Darby, Mrs. L. G. France, Mrs. Louila Williams, Mrs. Charles Pucta, Mrs. John Apland, Mrs. Martin DeKramer and Miss Mary Rechtenbaugh.

The first president of the group was Mrs. B. G. Williams. The name was formed from the first letter of each man’s name that had served from Canistota.

At the time of the founding of the group and the American Legion Post held their meetings in the "Pink Hall," at a cost of $25.00 per year rent.

There was only one gold star member at the time of the founding of the organization, Mrs. L. G. France, who was a Gold Star sister.

By May of the same year there were twenty-four members. At the present time there are eighty members, four of whom are charter members.

Mary Rechtenbaugh has held the office of secretary from 1925 to the present time.

Jenarde Unit has had the honor of having one of its members, Mrs. Dora Klinkel, hold the office of District President, Department President, and National committee woman.

There are five Gold Star mothers, who are members of the unit at the present time. They are Mrs. Edith Bowen, Mrs. Lyda Wingert, Mrs. Rose Bergen, Mrs. Nancy Watson and Mrs. Neil Zuraff.

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AMERICAN LEGION

On the 24th of February, 1920, fifteen ex-service men of Canistota and community met in the Masonic Hall for the purpose of organizing an American Legion Post. The following were the
fifteen signers or pledges required to form the post:

Geo. A. Mock, Wm. V. Stevenson, Carl O. Peterson, A. A. Breihan, Charles L. Mock, Oren H. L. Amy, A. M. Johnson, Emanuel L. Rechtenbaugh, George S. Potter, Gilbert N. Graham, Thomas K. Graham, Willis K. Crowhurst, Boise G. Williams, Roy Jarratt anl George Jarratt.

The number, 162, was assigned by Department Headquarters. The name "JERNARDE," was derived from the first letter of the surname of men gassed or wounded in action.

The rooms above the Farmers State Bank were leased for club rooms. The charter was given March 1st and by the March meeting there were 25 members. A. A. Breihan was elected the first
commander.

By the end of the next year the Post suffered a lack of interest from members. Meetings were neglected and the clubrooms were rented by another renter. The December meeting was held in the Lumber Yard offices and it was decided that they would lease new club rooms and try to arouse new interest. Funds were raised through dances, basket socials, etc. Ten rifles were ordered and received in time for the Memorial day service of 1921.

In June of 1921, it was decided to discontinue rental of club rooms as it was difficult to raise funds. The furniture was sold and no regular meetings were held. Special meetings were held at
one of the member’s business places when a meeting was necessary. However, they did continue active participation in observance of Decoration Day, military services, etc. At the beginning of 1923, they came back into activity again and held regular meetings - most of them in the city hall.

After the organization of the Auxiliary unit, it was decided to have both groups meet on the same night, and rented the Pink Hall for their meetings. It still was difficult to keep up enough interest and activity to preserve the organization. Members feel that it is due to the interest and work of a relatively small group that kept the charter during those times.

Records between 1924 and 1934 are missing, and therefore little of the group’s history during that time is available.

By the October, 1934 meeting, membership had increased. Meetings were still held irregularly, but with better attendance at the meetings. During the years that followed dances were held, with
Vern Gordon in charge. The Auxiliary served lunches after nearly all meetings.

Although during these years the finances of the group were not too good, the records show that the members always came through with donations to worth-while causes.

In 1940 the local Legion started sponsoring a local boy to attend Boys State. At the May meeting of that year, Lyle DeKramer was the first boy to be selected to attend this event. That same year
the Legion entered a float in the Sports Day parade and started furnishing the color guard for Sports Day parades.

In 1941, with the draft calling local boys into the service, the Legion started entertaining draft groups before leaving for the service. The following year they recommended that a local air-
raid warden be appointed and on December 14th from 10 to 10:30 p.m. the members assisted city officials in their first blackout practice.

During the World War II years, the group donated Emblem playing cards to servicemen and did other services for the benefit of the men in uniform.

By October 1945, membership was increasing rapidly with the return of servicemen from this community. Legion members were becoming interested in having a home of their own. At the
December meeting of that year Martin DeKramer offered the rental of the 2nd floor of the Recreation Parlor for a place of meetings and club rooms. The group voted to accept the rooms and went to work to raise necessary money by holding dances in the Pink Hall.  The new Legion rooms were occupied in April of 1946. New members and a new home gave new life to the organization. Improvements were gradually added to the rooms.

In 1946 the Legion sponsored junior baseball and an independent basketball team, along with the usual other functions. The commercial club and Legion went 50-50 on expenses of a new
location for the Unknown Soldiers Monument at the cemetery, that same year.

In 1947 the building fever arose again with the possibility of purchasing a surplus building at the Air Base in Sioux Falls. The community was polled for pledges. Lots were purchased east of the
Creamery and a full sized basement constructed. A building approximately 32’ x 150’ was purchased and moved to the site. Funds were raised by borrowing money from the people of the
community on a non-interest basis, same to be pro-rated back as the funds became available. About $6700.00 was raised in this way. Many also donated labor, equipment, etc. The new Legion Hall was opened for its first public function on Sports Day of 1948.  Since that time many improvements have been made in this building. The building has not only been used as a home for the American Legion and Auxiliary, but has played an important community part, as used for other purposes by other groups and individuals.

For many years the hall, heat and lights have been donated for the use of the Teen-Age canteen as sponsored by the Auxiliary. The Post Colors were purchased from a Memorial Fund donated by Mrs. Edith Bowen.

In 1935, the Legion divided the costs with the Lions Club for the purchase of 36 flags to display on Main street.  During the years, the Legion has maintained a high degree of participation in Legion Activities, along with many civic improvements.

Lighting System ...

A notable change from the life of the pioneer to modern times, has been brought about by the advent of electrical power for lighting and power.

In the day of the sod shanty and the early settlers’ home, the only means of light was from the open fire of burning buffalo chips or twisted hay, and the use of tallow and a rag wick in an open dish. Later the candle made its appearance.

As the years rolled by, the "bright" light of the kerosene lamp and lantern made quite an improvement. Later, some homes and farm places used the new asceteline light system. These did not prove too successful, as many feared to use them because of the danger of explosion.

The gasoline mantle lamp brought forth a great improvement in later years, but certainly did not come up to the present day electric light.

For many years the city dwellers had the use of electricity, first for light only, and later for power and other uses.  The invention of the home light plant, which charged batteries, which were then used for lights came into use among the farm people. In the late thirties and early forties, with the advent of REA (farm electricity, via the power lines) in some of the eastern states, many local farmers bought up the used plants and began to enjoy the modern electric light.

For some years, the private power companies furnished electric power to a few farms along their lines, but this was not a general practice. In 1948 and 1949, the McCook County Cooperative
was formed, and by the end of ‘49 the majority of farmers of the county were enjoying the same electric conveniences enjoyed by their "city" cousins.

Blizzard of ‘88 ...

The early settlers of this area experienced extreme hardship and dangers from the prairie storms that hit this sparsely settled country -especially before the turn of the century. One storm
that has remained in the minds of local old-timers down through the years was the blizzard of ‘88.

January 12 of that year dawned clear and very mild, with just a few large snow flakes falling. Snow during the night had brought the level of snow t 12 to 16 inches. A south-easterly wind was
being enjoyed by the settlers.

At about 11:00 o’clock in the morning, the wind changed to the northwest, bring in a severe snow storm and hitting with such suddenness, that many were unable to find shelter without experiencing difficulty. With the change of wind, temperatures took a sudden drop and continued falling, until thermometers showed the temperatures at a minus 52 degrees by the next morning.

One death was reported in the immediate territory. A young man, Billy Henderson, who lived with his parents a few miles north of Canistota, was watering four head of cattle and two horses about
sixty rods from home when the storm hit. Apparently he then tried to bring the animals home, and lost his way.

The next day the horses were found at a neighbor’s barn and the cattle were found frozen to death about twenty rods from the well where they had been watered. The body of the young man was not found until the next April.

Most of the horses that were out in the storm were apparently able to stand the severe weather, and lived. However, most of the cattle that did not reach shelter lost their lives.

In some of the schools, the teacher kept the children with her during the entire night. In one school, the teacher made a rope of the scarves – tied one end to the front of the school
building, found her way to the barn, where the fuel was stored, and tied the other end to that building. Then she had the older boys follow the rope with one hand as they brought the coal,
wood, and cobs from the barn to the school building.

One of the problems of the teachers who had their children at the school that night, was to keep the children busy with stories, games, etc., so that they would not become panicky.

Canistota Newspapers . . .

According to the records of the Canistota Clipper, this city has had but two newspapers during its seventy-five years of existance.

The first newspaper printed in Canistota was the Canistota Courier, which started printing here in the year of 1898. The editor and publisher was a man by the name of Perkins, according
to Clipper files. Apparently, the newspaper was printed for only twelve issues. Evidently at that time, the editor figured it was a better deal to get out of our town and look for fields elsewhere. We have never been able to find any existing copies of the Courier.

Canistota was then without a newspaper until August of 1901, when the Canistota Clipper was established. The first publishers were J. F. Halliday, publisher of the Iroquois Chief; and Claude
Swafford. Mr. Swafford came to Canistota and took over the management of the Clipper. Later that same year, Mr. Swafford purchased Halliday’s interest in the Clipper and became sole owner and publisher.

In announcing their intent of running a newspaper in Canistota, Swafford and Halliday, in their first issue of the Clipper stated:

In casting about for a location we were attracted to Canistota by the lively appearance presented by the town, by the apparent enterprise of its people, by the improvements it was making and
by the rich and thickly settled country surrounding it. After looking Canistota over the die was cast. We resolved then and there that Canistota needed a newspaper and we needed Canistota.  No bonus was asked for and no special favors requested. The situation resolved itself into a simple business proposition. Our intention is to give the town a good local newspaper and in return only ask for such patronage as the merits of the paper entitle it to; expecting to give full value for every dollar expended with us.

We have put in a new and up-to-date printing plant-and paid for it-believing that the town is entitled to something better than the average second-hand outfit that is usually put into towns of
this size. With us this is no experiment. We are not wondering whether we will be here a year from now. We know we will and for a good many years after that and we built for a permanent
business.

Apparently Mr. Swafford’s health became poorly and he sold the paper to Mr. J. L. Hammond of Iroquois in 1902. Mr. Hammond continued the operation of the Clipper and became one of the most quoted small town editors in the state of South Dakota. Local subscribers of the Clipper still enjoy reading the early day excerpts from Mr. Hammond’s papers, as found in the "Early Files" section of the present-day Clipper.

The first power press was added to the Clipper printing equipment in 1906, by Mr. Hammond. The power was furnished by a gasoline engine, which furnished power for the Clipper during the entire remainder of Hammond’s career as publisher of the paper.

Mr. Hammond, with the help of his family, continued publishing and editing the Clipper until his death the latter part of 1928.  For a few months members of his family continued the work of the
paper.

In 1929, Mr. W. W. Brady, at that time publisher and editor of the Marion Record and the Turner County News at Parker, purchased the Clipper and continued its publication. During the years with Mr. Brady at the helm, the Clipper remained a very newsy and interesting newspaper.

In June of 1934, John H. Schlueter purchased the Clipper from Mr. Brady, and moved the shop to the building known as the "Buscher Building," then located just east of what is now the Municipal
bar. In 1937, the present Clipper building was purchased by the Schlueters and the plant moved to that location. During these years a new linotype, and other modern printing equipment was
added to the shop.

In November of 1953, Mr. Schlueter leased the Clipper to Mr. Emil Wolff of Lake Andes. He remained as the publisher and editor of the paper until November of 1955.

In November of 1955, the present publisher and editor, Wendell Anderson, leased the paper from Schlueter. It is the official newspaper for the city of Canistota, the Canistota Independent
School District and the county of McCook.

Early Political History

Little can be found about the political history of Canistota prior to the year 1900. Minutes of the council meetings since January 30, 1900 have been found, and here are some of the excerpts from said early day minutes:

It appears that ordinance 1 of the village of Canistota called for the licensing of dogs, and was adopted at the regular February meeting of the year 1900. Council members of that date
were: J. A. Beaner, chairman; R. H. Armstrong and C. F. Swartz, trustees; and F. M. Staples, clerk. The regular meeting date was set for the first Monday of the month, at 7:30 p.m. This is the
time still held for the regular meetings of the city council.  Apparently the village had just been incorporated at that time, for the treasurer gave a receipt to the township for $188.89, the
same being the sum apportioned to the new village by the township. To help things along for the new village, the Old Soldiers gave a donation to the village treasurer in the amount of $50.00. One bill was allowed at the February meeting, in the amount of $6.00 for repairing the well.

Sidewalks were also the issue of the day-not the familiar cement sidewalks that we know today __ but rather, the plank or wooden sidewalks that have often heard the old-timers talking about. In April of the same year the board accepted the bid of H. Van Woert, A. Bolan, M. Fallgatter and J. A. Beaner for the construction of the new sidewalk. Specifications for the new sidewalks included the following: "On the west side of Fourth street between Free Ave. and Elm street the walks should be five feet and four inches in width and made of two inch planks __ cross planks. "Streets were also in need of improvement for the board made a 6 mill levy for road and street purposes.

The April, 1900 election found the following elected to office: M. Fallgatter, chairman; R. H. Armstrong and C. F. Swartz, trustees; and P. H. Schaller clerk.

After four years, some lawlessness around the village must have been in evidence, for the board called for bids for a jail "suitable for the use of the village."

A contract for graveling streets was let in 1902. The contract called for fifty loads of gravel hauled on the streets of Canistota. The gravel was to be hauled in a wagon of average length, and with a fourteen inch box at least level full. Contract price was $1.25 per load.

In June, 1904, the petition of Adolph E. Engelcke, for permission to conduct a saloon within the incorporated village of Canistota was granted.

In July of the same year, the board granted permission to Voshart and Graff to put in tieing rings in the sidewalks for the benefit of their customers to tie up their teams.

Sport Day . . .

During the past years, Canistota’s Annual Sport Day has become a tradition for the people of the little city and its community. Down through its many years, Sport Day has not been sponsored by any one group within the city. It has had its own organization, and its committees have included men and women of not only the city, but the surrounding community as well.

Canistota’s first Sport Day was held on July 26, 1907. The program started early, with a band concert at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon. This was followed with a baseball game at 10:00 with
Canistota and Humboldt meeting for a purse of $60.00. At 1:00 o’clock a field of eighteen events was held for the street sports feature of the day.

The afternoon ball game was played with Parker and Ramsey crossing bats for another $60.00 purse. The program also included horse races and a gun shoot. A bowery dance was held in the
evening. The feature for the kiddies was Noggle’s merry-go-round.

Following the event, it was stated that a conservative estimate of the crowd was 2500 people. Comments by visitors included:J. F. Halliday of the Iroquois Chief: "It was a big day. Fencing
in that street was a good plan."

Mrs. Gilbert of the Salem Pioneer Register: "When Canistota holds its next Sport Day, I’ll be there."

S. M. Angus of Humboldt: "Canistota always does things right."  The second annual Sport Day was held on July 14, 1908. Another big day was held, with two baseball games, street sports, two bands __ the Bridgewater and Monroe groups, horse races and the usual array of street sports.

The big feature of the day was the Riverside "Fantastic Parade." Old-timers here will perhaps remember the fine parade, the first of a series of fine parades put on by the Riverside group on the various Sport Days.

Another feature was the ball loop. This was a high platform and slide deal, in which a man rolled down the slide from a high point, made a loop and rolled out at the end.

Only once has Canistota held a two day event for Sport Day, and that was held on July 16 and 17th of 1909. The program included baseball games, all kinds of sports, band concerts, free circus acts and bowery dances.

An electric lighted ferris wheel and a 20th century merry-go-round made their appearances at this celebration. Since that time Sport Day sponsors have always felt that it was much better to
put on a one day celebration – and keep that event filled with plenty of activity.

Down through the years, many have held the offices of committee chairman, secretary, treasurer, etc. However, to the people who have been around for the first thirty some years of Sport Days
still have the memory of one man – who stands out in the minds as "Mr. Sport Day." That man was C. J. Uecker, who held the position of "Marshall of the Day" from the first Sport Day on through until the Sport Day preceeding his death in 1942.

Mr. Uecker indeed was a familiar Sport Day legend. From early morning until late at night, we can remember him, astride his horse, delivering programs, nailing them in available places, and
operating the P. A. system of his day – the megaphone. The death of one horse, Billy, which he had used during twelve consecutive Sport Days, brought sorrow to the many Sport Day followers.

In the years following Mr. Uecker’s son, has been an important figure in the long line of Sport Days. For many years he has done a magnificent job as Sport Day parade chairman __ not just a one day job for John. For, the minute the parade is over, he starts making plans for the next year’s event.

During the years, Canistota has brought outstanding bands to Sport Day. They include such organizations as the Chicago, Northwestern Railroad band out of Chicago; the world famous
Monahan Post band of Sioux City, Iowa; the Mitchell Municipal Band, the 147th Artillery Band out of Mitchell, the Worthington, Minn., band and many others.

During the past quarter century, Sport Day has become well known in this part of South Dakota for the fine array of fireworks as shown each Sport Day evening.

In the ‘30’s the annual "booster trips," advertising Sport Day were started, and continued for quite a number of years. The first booster trips were one-day affairs in which a large caravan
of automobiles filled with Sport Day boosters from Canistota, would visit neighboring towns. As they came into the various towns, several trips were made around the town, announcing their
arrival with the blowing of automobile horns. Then after stopping on the main street, a band would play several numbers, while the Canistotans would hand out, and place Sport Day bills, stop and visit with friends, and talk up the next Sport Day.

In later years, the Booster trips were held in the evening, with three or four towns on each of three evenings. The caravan, at times would include over fifty automobiles, several truck loads
of the youngsters, and one bus for the use of the band.

Since 1907, Sport Day has been held each year (and for many years on the second Thursday of July), with the exception of the years 1943, 1944 and 1945, during World War II.

The 1959 Sport Day is really a triple event. On that day, July 9, Canistota is celebrating not only its annual Sport Day, but also its seventy-fifth anniversary and the fiftieth Annual Sport Day.
It will truly be a golden and diamond event.

History of Canistota . . .

As stated earlier in this book, the little village of Cameron was the shopping center for the settlers of this area, until it was learned that a proposed railroad from Sioux Falls, through
Cameron and on to Mitchell would not materialize. Then Cameron began falling apart, and its end was inevitable.

In 1883, the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad built its line between Hawarden, Iowa, and Huron. As the line extended, various station sites were selected, among them the station on the
Northeast quarter of Section 34, Canistota township.

The first recorded owner of this piece of property was Michael O’Brinem who received title on June 20, 1897. Later transfers showed the ownership changing, first to Nora B. Cameron, then on to Mrs. Laura W. Walker, Major Thomas S. Free, Albert Keep, and finally the Western Town Lot Company in June of 1883. On July 14, 1883, the Western Town Lot Company, with Albert Keep its president and J. B. Redfield, its secretary, prepared the plat of the new town, and giving the townsite to the public. Said plat was filed in the office of the register of deeds, McCook county, South Dakota, on July 24, 1883 at 9:00 p. m., and duly recorded in Book "A" of Plats, on page 12.

The original plat included twenty-two blocks, and was bordered on the north by Clay street (now known as highway street); and on the south by Oak street, which still bears the same name, and
extends on west along the half section line to the mile line road one-half mile west of Canistota. The west edge of the original plat was bordered by sixth street, which at that time extended
across the whole west edge of town, but is now only two blocks in length between Wood street and Free avenue. Railroad street was the east border.

Other streets running east and west , from north to south, were Wood street, Elm street, Free avenue, and Pine street, all of which remain the same.

Named After Canastota, N. Y.

One of the men connected with the building of the new railroad was Major Free, who had formerly lived in Canastota, New York. He was given the privilege of naming the new townsite, and named it Canastota, in honor of his home town. However, at the time of applying for a Post Office, here, a clerical error was made and the Post Office showed Canistota as the name of the town. For years, the Post Office showed the name as Canistota, and the Railroad continued it as Canastota.

The difference in the name continued for many years. In December of 1908, Postmaster J. A. Beaner had a new post office sign painted and placed on the post office building, according to
instructions from the postal department. The new sign read: "Canistota Postoffice, Canistota, South Dakota."

The first building to be constructed in Canistota was the building now used by the Canistota Municipal Bar. This was built by the Fetzner Brothers, Joe and Charley, in 1882. The bottom
part was used by the brothers as a general merchandise store, and the upstairs rooms were used for living quarters. Mr. Fetzner also became the towns first postmaster.

First Store By Fetzners

While their store was being built the Fetzner’s had a small 10 x 12 building just east of their new store, which they used for the sale of groceries, etc. This store resembled our present day
fireworks stands, etc., as a part of the front wall was on hinges and came down to be used as a shelf from which to sell things. At night the shelf would be shoved up and the store closed.

Everything was sold from groceries, to shoes, dry goods, oil and coal.

The second building to be started here is still on the scene and is now the home of Ben’s Tavern. This building was built by J. P. Schaller and was used as living quarters for the Schaller family.
Mr. Schaller then started the first lumber yard in Canistota, which was located on the railroad grounds, east of the present Gamble store and south of the depot. He later sold the lumber
yard to Queal and Co. Part of the building was situated on what is now Free Avenue.

Schaller Builds First Flat House

After selling the lumber yard, Mr. Schaller decided to go into the grain business and built an elevator – known as a flat house – on the site of the present center elevator. A short time later,
Peave and Co. also built a flat house for the grain business.

This structure was located on the site of the Commander Elevator, recently purchased by the Shanard Elevator Co. A third flat house was built a short time later, located south of the Peave Co. building, and for many years was known as the "South House." This was a farmer owned business, and closed in the thirties. The structure was torn down a short time later.

In 1884, another general merchandise store was built on Free avenue (Main street). This was built by B. D. L. Dudley. The building still stands and is still being used as a general store.
It is the west half of the store building now being occupied by Connolly's store. The building was of two story construction, with the upper story being used as living quarters. Mr. Dudley
also handled drugs in his store.

Besides operating the store, Mr. Dudley also served as a Methodist minister for a number of years. His early church services were held in various school houses, and in the homes of
his members.

Other early business establishments included the George Hazel blacksmith shop which was established in 1883. The Sherman's reportedly kept the first boarding house in the new town.

When the railroad company built its depot, living quarters for the agent were built at the same time. The early depot was of two story construction, with the upper rooms used as the living
quarters for the agent and his family. This arrangement continued for a number of years, until a fire originating in the living quarters, did considerable damage to the building. In building the depot, the company eliminated the upstairs, and the building blossomed out as a one story building, and the agent and his family had to make other arrangements for living quarters.

Depot Serves As Community Room

In the early days of the town, the south waiting room of the depot served the community for many different occasions. It served as a place for church services and for public meetings. It was even known to serve as a theatre for the presentation of a medicine show at one time.

In the start of the town, the railroad also built dwellings for their section men - Dick Bolen and Mike Nolan. We have been unable to find out if those structures are still being used, or where they were built.

However, we have learned that the first dwelling to be built in the town was built by J. P. Schaller, after he sold his Main street building. This dwelling is located across the street just south of the Presbyterian church building. It is now the home of Mrs. Lela Kostboth.

Another one of the early buildings and homes, was built on Main street and still stands there. It is known as the "Bee Hive," and houses the Lindbloom Barber shop, and a number of living
apartments. This building was built by Mr. E. P. Amy, and was used as both a home and a rooming house for some years it was known as the Amy House.

Mr. Amy also built the first livery stable in town. It was built on the site of the present Clark barn, and was built in 1885 or 1886. Mr. Amy operated this livery stable for a number of years.

Pimperton House Built

Later Mr. Amy sold the house and the barn to Julius Kruschke, and built a hotel on the lots now used by the Ortman Clinic. At that time the hotel was known as the Pimperton House. Later it was called the Commercial House, and later, for a number of years as the OK Hotel. The building continued as a hotel until after the completion of the new Ortman Hotel, after which it was torn down.Other Main street buildings came as the years went by. We are unable to show the improvements made on Main street, in a strict chronological order. However, we do have information on some of the buildings and will tell of their early uses.

For many years the present Gamble store building was used as the home of the Canistota Clipper. The newspaper plant was moved there during the early years of J. L. Hammond's ownership. According to the early Clipper files, it would appear that the building had been used as a post office, just prior to its being moved to its new home.

Fred Dudley built the old Farmers State Bank building (Leesch's building) for bank purposes. He was also the man back of the establishment of the banking business there.

Town Gets New Post Office

The building now housing the McCue Cafe was built by J. A. Beaner, to be the new home of the Canistota Post Office. Mr. Beaner was the postmaster at that time. Other postmasters during
the years included Lyman Berret, G. H. Kostboth, Pat and Marjorie Hazen, Dr. Winfield Clark and Bertie Kostboth, the present postmaster. When the new post office building, which is still housing that office was built by R. L. Hazen, the old post office building was sold to Fred Butters, who for many years ran a cafe there. Herman Giegling built the present Meat Market building, and ran that business until selling it to C. W. Beck, who had learned the meat cutting trade in Hudson, South Dakota.

The building now occupied by the Artist Museum was built about 1895 by Herman Lembke, to be used as a hardware store. Later John Muehl purchased an interest in the business and it became Muehl and Lembke. Later Mr. Lembke sold his interest to John Buscher and the establishment became known as Muehl and Buscher. Just west of that building, Peter Muench built a building that housed the Canistota Clipper during the thirties, and later burned down,
when housing the Wormann ice cream store. This building was originally built for a saloon.

The Kirchner building, now the home of the Christian Fellowship Center was built by J. C. Reinich and used as a hardware building. Later, when Scott and Uecker operated that business, a warehouse was built to the west of the building. Later this was changed from a warehouse into a cafe by Chas. Pucta. It now houses the Canistota Clipper.

Doctor's Office on Main Street

The Crowhurst Electric building was originally used as a doctor's office, with Dr. Cowan as the doctor. Later it housed Rant Buchhanan's barber shop for many years.

In 1908 work started on the new stone building to be used as the home of the Citizen's State Bank. Officers of this bank included Chas. Kostboth, Anthony Waechter, John Fischer and others. This building remained in use as a bank building until 1930, when Canistota's last bank, The Canistota State Bank closed. In more recent years it has been the location of the Canistota Exchange and the Ward Clark law office.

The Boom's Cafe building was originally built by Staples, for his grocery store. Later it was sold to the Hamm Brewing Co., and used as a saloon. It was then known as Spoodle's. with the advent of the prohibition area, the building was turned into a cafe and has been such since that time.

A small office building stood on the site of Spicer's Chevrolet Garage for many years. It was then moved to make room for a new theatre building, which Dr. S. S. Clark planned to build there. A
full basement was dug and walled up, but later it was decided to build the theatre where it now stands. The open basement remained there for many years. In the thirties, the southeast corner was filled and the band stand moved there. Since then the entire excavation has been filled.

George Buehner built a store building and home just west of that location, now the North Side Rooming House. Mr. Buehner ran a grocery store at the location. Later it housed a number of
businesses, including a harness shop, shoe repair, cream station, and undertaking parlors.

Second Lumber Yard Built

The present Canistota Creamery building is what remains of the former Thompson Yard Co. It originally was the Queal and Co., second yard, and was later sold to the Thompson Yards. It was
later consolidated with the Carpenter Lumber Co., and all moved to the present Lumber yards building.

John Hollander built a frame building on the corner where the new Standard Station now stands. He operated a furniture store there, and later sold it to M. J. Beisel, who continued in the furniture
and undertaking business there. He later sold the building and the business to W. J. McCullough.

The present jewelry store building was built by H. H. Schlueter and has been used for that purpose ever since then.

The building to the east, was formerly the Snow Bros. barber shop and was built by the two brothers, Bert and Otto. The present Gift Shop was the residence of Hank Spaulding and family and also housed the barber shop.

The building originally standing where the large Drug store sign now stands, was built by a Gortmaker and was used as a bowling alley, and later a saloon. In later years G. F. Watson ran a
store in it, and still had it there when most of the building was destroyed by fire.

First Bank Building

The present Drug store building was the first bank building in town. It was built by the Mullhal Bros., who operated a bank there, later selling it to Robert Armstrong. Later his brother , Wm. J. Armstrong, also entered the bank, and then they went into partnership with Fred Dudley, and moved the business to his building, and ran it under the name of Farmers State Bank.

The present Dairy King building was built by Fred Klueber in 1891, where he ran a harness shop. In 1895, he sold the building and business to E. D. Schlueter, who continued to operate it
until his death.

A grocery store stood , where the Ortman Hotel now stands. It was built by Frank Elliott, who later sold it to Julius Kruschke and brother. The building was later moved to the F. H. Marquardt lot,
south of the theatre, and is still used by his son for his well drilling shop.

The Farmers Union Supply Co. purchased their building (Now the Farmers Store) form Jack McKinnon, who had built it for a drug store. McKinnon then built the building to the east (McKillop
Hardware) and used that for his drug store.

The original O and R store originally stood on the lots west of the old Commercial Hotel. In later years it housed the Snow Bros., barber shop and later the Markee barber shop. It was moved
to its present site on the railroad grounds, where Bert Parker ran a cream station. Later the business was taken over by his son-in-law, R. T. Lortscher, who then added a line of groceries.
The building has been added to and changed a number of times since the grocery store was started there.

As settlers moved here, the need for mail service was desired. Before the coming of the railroad, the mail was brought up from either Marion or Sioux Falls. David Manary, who homesteaded the farm on which Robert Budds now live, was the first official postmaster of the community, and his post office was known as the Cameron post office.

The Mail Arrives In Canistota

After the arrival of the train service in Canistota John Fetzner was appointed the first postmaster and had his office in the front of his store building. In later years, the postoffice was also housed in the present Pletan building, the building formerly west of the drug store, the present Gamble store, and the McCue Cafe building. The present postoffice building was built by R. L. Hazen in 1931.

By 1903, it was deemed necessary for other means of communications, and a stock company consisting of Jack McKinnon, Jim McKinnon, A. G. Engelcke, Dr. Cowen, and others was formed for the purpose of putting in a telephone system for Canistota. A franchise was given by the town board.

Telephone Co. Has 20 Patrons

The first central office was located in the building now used by the McKillop Hardware. At the completion of the line work here, there were 20 phones on the list. However, in the next three
years five rural lines were added, increasing the list of patrons.

Later the switchboard was moved to the Clipper office. The service at the time was from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p. m. Cables were unknown here at the time, and the crossing of lines was a common event. A short time later the stock company sold their lines to a Mr. Thompson, who managed the company until 1914. Thompson, at that time sold the business to John Smith, who later moved to Beresford. Smith put in cables and moved the location of the central office to the McKillop residence on Main street, now the home of Mrs. Celia McCue. This remained the central office for many years.

Smith sold out to the Dakota Central, who hired Mrs. D. Driggs as the local manager, D. Driggs as line man and Pearl Gordon and Vera Watson as operators. In 1920 Pearl Gordon became manager of the local office and held that office (or chief operator) until the advent of the dial system in August of 1958.

The Dakota Central, a subsiduary of the Northwestern Bell Telephone Co., later gave up its holdings here to the mother company. Today, patrons of the Canistota exchange are enjoying a
very modern dial system telephone service.

Canistota continued its growth and was considered an up and coming town.

Population At 379 In 1909

By 1909, a special census showed the population at 379 people. By the time the federal census was taken in 1910, there had been an increase of population in the amount of 29, bringing the total to 408. At that time it was the smallest of the towns in McCook county, with Salem showing a total of 1097; Bridgewater, 934; Spencer, 506; and Montrose, 422. The federal census of 1920 showed the total at 594. The latest federal census, of 1950, gave the city a population of 679.

Canistota had an electric light plant for many years. In later years the plant was run by Henry Schaller, who had two gasoline engines and two generators, usually referred to as the large
generator and the small generator. The power would start into the lines just before dark and the residents would enjoy electric lights until about 11:00 o'clock. During severe thunder storms,
the old signal of three short blackouts would warn patrons that within the next few minutes the power would be shut off for the night. Then those still awake in the west part of town could see
Mr. Schaller heading home, with the aid of a kerosene lamp.

Daytime Power Two Mornings

On Monday mornings power would be on for a couple of hours, thus giving Canistota housewives the opportunity to do their washings in the electric washer. The housewife of the day had to have her washing timed perfectly so that she would be completed by the time the power was shut down. On Tuesday mornings, in later years, power was on for a short time so that ironing could be done. If not completed in that time, it had to be finished by gas iron, or later at night.

City Goes Into Business

In 1920, the city purchased the plant from Mr. Schaller and ran it as a municipal plant. However, after the first nine months, the records showed the city had lost a total of $1,746.38 through
the operation of the plant during that time.

On March 1, 1921, the city had a bond vote for the purpose of allowing the council to bond the city to the tune of $21,000.00 for the purpose of getting Northern States Power into town. The
issue carried by a vote of 169 to 4.

After connecting with the highline the city continued to sell the current to local users, after purchasing it from the power company. Profits from this operation made only enough to pay the
interest, so the entire set up was sold to the Northern States Power Co. this company continues to give Canistota excellent power service today.

The town continued under the same pattern of other small South Dakota towns for a number of years. Then, in the late twenties, activity here increased to a large degree, brought about by the
large number of patients visiting the famed Ortman Clinic, seven miles south of town.

Thousands Come To Ortman Clinic

Amon Ortman, who had been a farmer there for many years, had become nationally known for his work in treating the bones and nerves. The number of people coming to him for help grew from a small group each day, to hundreds and then thousands. By this time he had encouraged his brother, Noah, to assist him in the work.

The small building that they had used for treating soon became too small and a large clinic and hotel were put up on the farm place. Soon the hotel was far too small to handle the large crowds and people started coming to Canistota in the search of rooms. The local railroad station became a busy place with hundreds of people disembarking and embarking here weekly. A
large bus and several taxies were kept busy hauling the patients to the farm in the country.

The Drs. Ortman saw the need of a new large hotel. Several towns in the neighborhood were attempting to get them to build in their cities. Canistotans too, saw the value of such a place in their city and convinced them to build in Canistota.

First the old Commercial House was purchased and used for the patients until the new four story Ortman Hotel was completed in the spring of 1929.

The doctors continued to do their treating on the farm. Finally, with ever-increasing crowds, treating rooms were built within the new hotel building, and the doctors began giving their treatments there.

Drs. Ortman Build New Clinic

Later, the desirability of having a complete clinic building was seen, and the new Ortman Clinic was built just west of the hotel. Since the original building, two additions have been made. It now
includes a large waiting room, ten treating rooms, and two offices.

Since that time the Drs. Herbert W. Ortman, Ervin Ortman, Stanley Weiland and Dennis Ortman have been added to the staff. In April, 1956, Dr. A. S. Ortman, the founder of the Ortman Clinic, passed away. The others are continuing their practice here.

With large crowds visiting Canistota each week, it was soon seen that the city would need a modern sewer and disposal system. An election was held for the issuance of bonds for that purpose and for the purpose of extending the water mains. The bond issue carried by a large majority. Work was begun immediately, and Canistota became one of the first small cities in the state to have such a complete and modern water and sewer system.

With the continued growth of the city, another extension of water and sewer mains and the need of another city well was seen, and another bond election was held for that purpose. Again, the issue carried by a large majority. As a result, the city has been able to furnish an abundant water supply, and all building lots find the water and sewer available.

Canistotans saw the advantage of good roads in the early days. As early as 1916, business men were attempting to get the proposed highway from Sioux Falls to Mitchell to pass through this city. In fact, in October of that year, it did look like they were going to accomplish their purpose. Later, however, when the final draft of the new road was made, it missed Canistota by 3 1/2
miles to the south. However, during the past ten or fifteen years they were able to get two fine oiled roads leading into the town. The first was from highway 16 to the town from the south, and the second from highway 81 from the west.

The Graveling Bee

The early residents of the city, also saw the need for good streets within the city. When it was decided to gravel Main street farmers and businessmen alike pitched in and worked shoulder to shoulder in a graveling bee. Farmers furnished wagons and teams, truckers furnished trucks, and the rest of the farmers and townspeople worked in the pits, shoveling the gravel into the
wagons. Several such bees were held.

Difficulty was had in keeping Main street from cutting up, especially in wet weather. On two different occasions, the street was oiled, but in both instances, soon deteriorated. Finally in
1952, it was decided to pave Main street from Railway street to fourth street. This work was done that summer, and Canistota now has a fine cement paved street.

During the years Canistota has had some mighty fine baseball teams. In the earlier years those teams included the Greys and the Clippers. Among their early opponents were the Ramsey,
Montrose, Greenland and Canistota Township C. P.'s.

Later the town was represented in various amateur leagues including the Corn Belt and the Old State league.

In 1946, a group of interested businessmen saw the advisability of having a lighted field for night games. Work was started toward getting the wheels in motion for such a project that winter. By June 8, 1947, the city had its lighted diamond, and that night the first night baseball game was played here. Canistota won the game by a 13 to 0 score over Salem.

During the seventy-five years of the city's history, it citizens have worked hard to make it a city which one would proudly call "home". It is a clean city of well kept homes, a fine school, a new city hall, fine business places, and a neat city park.

Canistota Public Schools . . .

Canistota's school history goes back to the town of Cameron, where the the first school in the community was held, back as far as 1878. As the town of Cameron disbanded and the new town of Canistota started to spring up, the citizens thought of the need of educating their children.

According to some of the old timers, a small school house stood in the south west part of Canistota at that time. However, we have been unable to find any direct comment of that school in any of