Willmar Tribune

PLEDGE TO CARRY ON TRADITION
Sons and Daughters of Pioneers to Keep Memories Alive

In spite of a sweltering hot afternoon, the closing session of the Kandiyohi County Old Settler's Association Thursday was attended by a crowd that filled the Memorial Cabin to the doors. The program was one that went straight to the hearts of the fine representative audience present. President F. G. Handy presided in a very happy manner, and Mrs. Handy had the honor of first using the pioneer piano which was donated by William Olson to the society, after its restoration by Mr. Feleen. The session opened with the singing of America.

Mayor Peter Bonde was given an ovation as he stepped forward to give the welcome address. Dr. B. J. Branton made the response on behalf of the association, and pledged that the succeeding generation would carry on the work so nobly begun by the old settlers themselves. He urged that all become interested in the matter of enrolling new members. "With a membership of one thousand, just think of what we could do towards properly furnishing the interior of the memorial cabin for displaying the interesting articles used in the past, preserving its exterior, and keeping alive the historical facts of early Kandiyohi county!" He told of talks he had made to school children and how eager they were to listen. He urged more publicity of interesting incidents and facts of first settler days, and of what happened when the present generation were children.

Congressman Paul John Kvale made a brief heart to heart talk along the same line which pleased the audience. He complimented the Association upon what it has accomplished for the county, which is more apparent to one from the outside than to one who has participated in the work. He urged the perpetuation and support of the institutions founded by the fathers and early pioneers, and could think of no worthier objectives for the second and third generations than to carry on efforts along the lines of the old settlers association.

Gabriel Stene, the wellknown writer of pioneer experiences, was called upon and made an impassioned address which showed plainly how he feels in regard to the work of the old settlers and their cabin. In the building of the latter no one has put in more time and effort than has Mr. Stene. His realistic description of an early threshing scene was good, as was his story about his mules which refused to pull when they were abused beyond the limit. He applied the latter to the farmer.

Mr. A. W. Strand, the first settler of St. Johns who now lives in Minneapolis, was called upon. He never misses a reunion of the Kandiyohi County pioneers if he can avoid it, and he declared that he expects to soon make the county his home again, after an absence of many years.

The new president, Hon. P. A. Gandrud, was called upon and made a response, in which he asked for co-operation.

The session was treated to some very good musical numbers. Mrs. E. D. Coventry sang two selections; Hans T. Dale gave two solos and Matts Walner sang two songs of his own composition in the Swedish, set to familiar airs. Two splendid readings were contributed by Mrs. Meinhard Kohrs. The session closed with the singing of the last verse of America and the benediction by Rev. C. R. Osbeck.

The Association has about 550 members in good standing, of which ninety are paid up life members. This is the largest membership that has been recorded in its history.

The following is the secretary's financial report, as read:

Financial Statement.
Kandiyohi County Old Settlers Association. For the year 1930-31.

RECEIPTS:-
Balance on hand at beginning of year. 24.51
July 28, sale of badges 4.50
New members 14.75
Dues 45.75
Aug. 1, donation from Homecoming Committee 262.31
Sept. 20, new members: 13.00
Dues 39.25
Dec. 1, note for insurance premium 100.00
Total Receipts $504.07

DISBURSEMENTS:
July 16, E. A. Peterson, stamped envelopes ....... 6.66
Aug. 1, Willmar Sash & Door Co., Bal. Log Cabin 226.95
Mrs. A. C. Carlson, cleaning Log Cabin 5.00
Carlson Bros., Bal. on Log Cabin 28.00
Lambert Lbr. Co., Bal. on Log Cabin 50.00
Peter Pearson, acct. Log Cabin 35.21
Oct. 15, Sec. salary, June, 1929 to June 1930...... 25.00
Peter Pearson, bal. on Log Cabin 5.00
Oct. 17, N. N. Feleen, part payment repairing piano.. 18.00
Dec. 4, Insurance on Log Cabin and contents...... 102.60
Balance on hand 1.65
Total Disbursement and Balance $504.07

Respectfully submitted,
A. O. Forsberg. Sec'y.

Acknowledgement was made of substantial reductions made by those who had claims for material used in the erection of the cabin, which assisted in the matter of clearing off the debt.