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The Henry Sandkamp Family of

Holdingford, Stearns County, Minnesota

Heinrich “Henry” and Katherine Rensing Sandkamp, ca 1912

The following is a brief narrative of the lives and times of my great-grandparents,


Henry and Katherine Sandkamp, and their family as reported by the Holdingford,
Minnesota weekly “Advertiser” newspaper from 1908 to 1921.

I’d like to extend my thanks to Louie Welna for providing me access to the
Advertiser’s images, along with his Philipsek family history which helped provide
inspiration, and to Mike Odden for taking the time to image the Advertiser newspapers
for posterity. I’m sure it was no small task. I’d especially like to thank Herman Ebnet,
whose recent guided tour of Holdingford for me and my sons, Matt and Stephen, helped
to bring our Sandkamp ancestors to life.

Tom Long,

December 2, 2009

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Henry Sandkamp was born in Germany, June 29, 1860. Departing the port of
Antwerp Belgium in early March, 1885, Henry set sail for the United States aboard the
Red Star Line’s steamship “Rhynland”, arriving in New York on March 13. According to
the ship’s manifest, his place of origin was Epe, a small town in Nordrhein-Westfalen,
Germany, he was a carpenter by profession, and his final destination was Melrose
(Stearns County, Minnesota).

Red Star Line Steamship “Rhynland”

Rhynland Years in service: 1879-1906 Funnels: 1 Masts: 4 Aliases: Rhyna (1906) Shipping Line: Red Star Ship Description: Built by
Vickers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Barrow-in-Furness, England. Tonnage: 3,689. Dimensions: 402' x 40'. Single-screw, 12 1/2 knots.
Compound engines. 1,600 I.H.P. Four masts and one funnel. Iron hull. History: Employed mainly in the Antwerp-New York service.
Transferred to Liverpool-Philadelphia service of American Line in 1895. Renamed: Rhyna (1906). Italian owners. Scrapped in 1906.
Sister ship: Belgenland. Source: Ancestry.com

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Little is known of Henry’s life upon arriving in this country, but the 1900
census indicates he and Katherine Rensing were married in 1887. A search of the
Stearns County public records for this period yields no marriage license for them. There
is however, information to suggest they may have been married prior to Katherine’s
arrival in the United States. Immigration records list a “Cath” Sandkamp, age 21,
arriving in New York, on May 24, 1877, aboard the North German Lloyd Ship Line
steam ship “Elbe”. According to the ship’s manifest, the port of departure was Bremen,
Germany, her hometown is listed as Epe, and her destination was Minnesota.

North German Lloyd Line Steam Ship “Elbe”

Ship Name: Elbe Years in service: 1881-1895 Funnels: 2 Masts: 4 Shipping Line: North German Lloyd Ship Description: Built by
John Elder & Co., Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 4,897. Dimensions: 418' x 44' (440' o.l.). Single-screw, 17 knots. Compound engines.
Four masts and two funnels. Iron hull. History: Hurricane deck amidship was 180 feet long. It was used as a promenade deck for first
class passengers. Maiden voyage: Bremen-Southampton-New York, June 24, 1881. Sunk by collision with steamer Crathie in North
Sea, January 30, 1895, and went down within a few minutes with the loss of over 330 lives. Sister ships: Fulda and Werra.

The 1891-1892 Directory for the City of Minneapolis indicates Henry and
Katherine were residing with their son Joseph, daughters Annie and Liccia (Lizzie), at
3222 N 2nd St. Henry’s occupation was listed as carpenter and he was employed by the
Diamond Iron Works.

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Standing L to R: Anthony, Elizabeth, Joseph, Julia (holding Stella) Anna, Mary, and Bridget
Seated L to R: Henry Jr. (Harry), Henry, Stella and Katherine

By 1900, the family had grown to include daughters Mary and Bridget, and the
family had moved to the town of Oak, Village of Freeport, in Stearns County. The 1905
Minnesota territorial census shows the family was still residing in Freeport, and the
family had once again increased in size with the addition of Henry Jr. (Harry), Anthony
and Julia. By 1910, the family had moved to Krain Township in Stearns County where
Stella, the last of their nine children was born.

In February of 1911, Henry sold the family farm in Krain to Henry Frerich of
Meier’s Grove for $8,100. After auctioning off his farm equipment, livestock, and
household goods, he moved the family to the Merchants Hotel in Holdingford which he
had purchased for $6,100.

Henry also acquired the old drugstore wing adjacent to the hotel from where he
planned to open a clothing and dry goods firm. He made various improvements to the
property which included city water, redecorated parlor, and repair of the hotel’s gas
lights. The Holdingford Advertiser reported at the time “Mr. Sandkamp has now a
handsome and valuable piece of property as there is in town”.

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During the decade of 1910, Henry’s large family grew even larger through
marriage. Daughter Annie married Frank Mlecoch in 1912, daughter Lizzie married
George Meller in 1914, daughter Mary married Steve Gruidl in 1917, daughter Bridgie
married Christ Welna in 1918, and son Joe married Eleanor Danzl in 1920.

Early in the decade, a decision was made to build a new church in town for the
congregation of St. Mary’s German Catholic Church. Upon completion of the church in
1914, Henry purchased the original St. Mary’s property on the hill west of town
(excluding the cemetery) for $3,205 and moved his family from the Merchants Hotel to
the former parish house. It was about this same time he turned over the day to day
operation of the hotel, renting it to son-in-law George Meller who operated it successfully
for a number of years.

Sandkamp home 1940’s

Sandkamp home 2009

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Standing L to R: Lizzie, Harry, Julie, Bridgie, Joe, Annie, and Mamie (Mary)
Seated L to R: Henry, Stella, and Katie

In 1917, while living in North Dakota and employed as a “butter maker”, Henry’s
oldest son Joe enlisted in the Army to fight in the “Great War”. Serving in the 162nd
Ambulance Corp of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), Joe saw action in the
Argonne Forest in France and his unit eventually reached the Rhine River in Germany.
One wonders how he might have felt upon seeing his father’s homeland under such
circumstances.

After the war was over, Joe briefly served as a member of the occupational force
whose job it was to restore order. During this time, while on furlough, he traveled to
Rome where he had the great privilege of meeting Pope Benedict XV, and in May of
1919, he returned home to a hero’s welcome.

This period was also one of great sadness for the family. In September 1918,
Bridget’s husband of only eight months, Christ Welna, died from an illness while
undergoing treatment at a sanitarium in Colorado Springs, and in December, their only
child Jeanette, died of influenza.

The end of the decade saw most of the family leave the village of Holdingford for
the “Cities” of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Annie and Frank moved their family to St. Paul
in 1919. Harry and Tony were already in Minneapolis, and Joe and Eleanor moved there
after their wedding in 1920.

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The same year, Bridget and Julie also left for St. Paul, Bridget to marry O.A.
“Archie” Ness, and Julie, to attend the Sacred Heart School. Harry eventually went on to
marry Eleanor Meier, Tony married Myrtle Hanson, and Julie married Lloyd Grant.

By 1930, only Henry and Katherine were still residing in Holdingford. Daughter
Stella, who by then had moved to St. Paul, briefly returned home to marry Warren Long
in St. Mary’s church the same year. In 1933, Katherine, who suffered from diabetes, died
at the age of 67 while undergoing treatment in a Minneapolis hospital. Shortly thereafter,
Henry left for St. Paul where he died in 1948 at the age of 87.

Henry and Katherine ca 1930

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Henry and family ca 1940

Annie, Lizzie, Henry, Julie, and Bridgie ca 1945

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Henry and Katherine Sandkamp memorials

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The Holdingford Advertiser
Volume 1, Issue 1, of the Holdingford Advertiser was published November 12,
1908. Published every Thursday, content included news and advertising that was both
local and national in scope. It also included a feature titled “Local News - The Continued
Story of Current Events”, which chronicled the daily lives of the citizens of Holdingford
and other nearby communities such as Avon, Opole, St. Stephen, St. Anna, St. Wendel
and Upsala.

The following are excerpts taken from issues published between 1908 and 1921
which mention Sandkamp family members. There is also a section at the end which
chronicles various news stories of the day.

Sandkamp Family “Happenings”

March 31, 1910 - Mrs. Henry Sandkamp was in town Saturday. She tells that her
husband is slowly improving from his injuries received from falling off the straw stack
last winter. His back was hurt and his kidneys seem to be affected. It is to be hoped that
he will soon regain his strength.

December 1, 1910 - Henry Sandkamp went to Minneapolis last week to visit his with his
daughter at that place. He returned Monday.

February 23, 1911- Henry Sandkamp has sold his fine farm in Krain. We understand the
consideration was in the neighborhood of $8,000. Mr. Sandkamp has been considering
purchasing the Merchants Hotel at this place.

March 2, 1911 – Henry Sandkamp has purchased the Merchants Hotel with furniture.
The price was $6100.

March 9, 1911 – “Auction Sale” – The undersigned will sell his personal property at
public auction to the highest bidder, at his farm four miles northwest of the Village of
Holdingford, Minn., on Tuesday, March 28, 1911. Beginning promptly at 10:30 a.m.
sharp, Live Stock: Two mares, 8 years old, weight 1400 pounds, one with foal, eight
fresh milk cows, two 2 year-old heifers, four ewes with lambs, one buck sheep, two
calves, five hogs, one sow with pigs, four turkeys, one good cattle dog. Machinery and
implements; One seeder, one McCormick binder, one McCormick mower, one self-dump
hay rake, two wagons, complete, two harrows, one riding cultivator, one hand cultivator,
one surrey good as new, one 2-seated buggy.
Miscellaneous; One DeLaval cream separator, and a lot of household goods, farm tools
and utensils and other articles too numerous to mention. This is going to be one of the
best auctions held this spring. Lots of good property will be offered. Free lunch with hot
coffee will be served at noon.

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Terms: All sums of $5.00, or less, cash, over $5.00, 8 months’ time on bankable note, and
7 per cent. No property must be taken away before settlement is made.

Henry Sandkamp, Owner


Peter Benolken, Auctioneer
V.S. Himel, Clerk

April 6, 1911 – “New Landlord” - Ben Schweiters relinquished the Merchants Hotel
last Saturday to the new owner, Henry Sandkamp. Mr. Schweiters took possession of the
hotel a year ago last September and succeeded in building up a good business. The place
has enjoyed about all the patronage it could accommodate since he got it. Mr. Schweiters
and his estimable family have acquired a large number of friends who are glad to know
they will remain in the village. Mr. Sandkamp and family take up the management of the
hotel under favorable conditions and they are warmly welcomed into the town and every
hope is that they will be prosperous and enjoy their new home. They have long been
known as thrifty and industrious farmers of this vicinity and Holdingford needs lots of
steady, substantial people to make use of the business opportunities offered here.

A white pig weighing about 150 lbs. strayed from our barn in town last Saturday. Anyone
having taken up, or seen it please notify Henry Sandkamp, Holdingford.

Henry Frerich of Meier’s Grove moved on the Sandkamp farm this week.

May 11, 1911 - Landlord Sandkamp is having city water put into the Merchants Hotel
this week.

Lizzie Sandkamp is suffering a very severe illness from appendicitis. No danger to her
life is apprehended.

June 22, 1911 – “Real Estate Deal” - Henry Sandkamp bought the old drugstore wing
adjacent to the Merchants Hotel from Val Herman last Monday morning. The price of the
property has not been given out, but is understood to be about $3500 to $4000. The
property is a two story brick veneered building with a full stone basement and also
includes a piece of ground in the angle between the hotel and the addition just transferred.
Mr. Sandkamp has now a handsome and valuable piece of property as there is in town.

July 20, 1911 - Landlord Sandkamp is busy putting in counters and shelving in the old
drug store for a clothing and dry goods firm which is going to open a stock there next
month.

September 7, 1911 - Landlord Sandkamp of the Merchants Hotel went to Minneapolis


Tuesday to transact business and take in the state fair.

September 21, 1911 - Miss Annie Sandkamp won the prize as the most popular lady at
the medicine show which held forth here this past week.

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September 28, 1911 – The following are the subscription received from W.E. Murphy
for the new school bell – Henry Sandkamp - $1.00

November 2, 1911 – Landlord Sandkamp, of the Merchants Hotel, has had the office and
the parlor re-decorated and the gaslights put in order again, so the place shines like a new
dollar. Martin Dinndorf, of Albany, did the decorating, and Roy Dragoo, of Royalton, did
the experting on the lights.

January 16, 1912 - Miss Lizzie Sandkamp spent the holidays at Melrose.

January 18, 1912 – Jos. Sandkamp has gone into partnership with Mr. Ward and they are
busy equipping themselves to be ready for business in a few days.

February 1, 1912 – A cordial invitation is extended to all by Mr. Frank Mlecoch and
Miss Anna Sandkamp, of Holdingford, to attend their wedding dance at Bielejeski’s and
Hermans Hall, Tuesday evening, February, 13, 1912. All are welcome.

February 8, 1912 – The following is a list of all property taxes for the Village of
Holding. These taxes are due now and will become delinquent on March 1st, 1912, when
a penalty of 10 per cent will be added. Henry Sandkamp - $3.71.

February 15, 1912 - “Happily Married” - The marriage of Frank Mlecoch and Miss
Anna Sandkamp occurred at the German Catholic church of this place Tuesday morning
Feb. 13, at nine o’clock. Reverend J. F. Lemmer celebrated the nuptial mass in an
impressive manner.

The bride was attired in cream colored satin and carried a bouquet of bride’s roses,
carnations and ferns. The bridesmaids were Lizzie Sandkamp, and Lizzie Symalla, both
dressed in pink voile. The groom was attended by Tom Mlecoch and Jos. Sandkamp.

After the ceremony the wedding party repaired to the Merchants Hotel where a
sumptuous wedding feast had been prepared by mine Host and Hostess Henry Sandkamp,
the parents of the bride. A very large gathering of invited guests were present and partook
of all the good things. The afternoon was spent at cards and games and after a splendid
supper everybody repaired to the dancing floors in both halls and had a splendid time
until early in the morning.

Among the out of town guests were Edw. Reinhold of Minneapolis, Bea Freiler and
daughter Annie, of New Munich, Ben, George, Lizzie, and Rose Fuechtmann of Melrose,
Mary and Annie Herzog, Dinah Kreitter, Henry, Ben, Dinah and Lizzie Such, of
Freeport, and Ben Vanning and family of St. Anthony

Mrs. Welser of Melrose and Mrs. Volking of Freeport prepared the feast which
everybody praised. George Viehauser was Keller and dispensed refreshments in proper
style.

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One of the many beautiful presents was a fine sewing machine given by the boarders at
the hotel. The donors were Herman Krylitz, Nick Gakla, John Fedor, John Ward, Anton
Warlitz, George VanSloun, Jos. Sandkamp, and Andrew Lagermann.

Mr. and Mrs. Mlecoch are both popular and worthy young people and they have the
general wish of the community they may live long and prosper.

March 21, 1912 – Joseph and Lizzie Sandkamp, Alphonse Benolken, Marie Vos, Alben
Schweiters and Rose Fenis called at the home of Reinhard Vos, Sunday evening.

June 6, 1912 – Jos. Sandkamp sold his interest in the Ward & Sandkamp livery to John
Fedor, who took hold on the 1st of June. Fedor has been employed in Wardian’s store for
the past three years and now wants to start out in business on his own hook. Good Luck!

October 10, 1912 – “Village School Report” – Report of primary room for the month of
September: No. of days taught 20, No. of pupils enrolled 33. Those perfect in attendance
for the month are: Wenzel Thom, Conrad Gerhard, and Oswald Benolken, Rogina Leiter,
Julia and Tony Sandkamp, Wernie Herman, Ella Wolney, Ella Vos, Lizzie and Bennie
Gobernatz, Clara Stock, Marcel Klasen, Ruth Stein, Suzie Thielen, Julius Lemmer –
Hannah Douris Teacher.

The following are the names of children who have attended school perfectly for one
month: Harry Sandkamp, Victor Feis, Willie Feis, Clara Soyka, Irene Wardian, Henry
Nelson, Catherine Leiter, Rosa Klasen, Kate Thielan, Marie Thielen, Helen Lukeroth,
Audrey Nelson, Johnnie Haehn, Ilsena Klasen, Bridgit Sandkamp, Stannie Dizenbinski –
Vivian Murphy Teacher.

December 5, 1912 - Joe Sandkamp returned last week from St. Paul and will spend the
holidays at home. Joseph left last June to work for Bridgeman-Russell Co. at Duluth. He
remained there all summer and fall and now has completed a short course at the dairy
school at the state agricultural college and has his diploma as a full-fledged buttermaker.
The young man is taking the right course to make something useful of himself. A good
many others ought to follow his example.

May 15, 1913 – “New Telephone Service” – Holdingford has now the most complete
and prompt service that can be procured. The Northwestern Telephone Company has
begun a continuous day and night service with Miss Mary Abeln as chief operator and
Miss Lizzie Sandkamp as assistant. Holdingford has wanted this service for many years
and will now take pride in at last securing the best there is to be had. Nothing slow about
this town!

July 10, 1913 - Harry Sandkamp, a young son of Landlord Sandkamp, of the
Merchants, busted his left hand open with a percussion cane Monday evening. He had
loaded the cane and was using it upside-down when the accident happened.

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August 14, 1913 – Jos. Sandkamp spent a day in Holdingford this week. He is traveling
for the Russell Creamery Co., of Superior, Wis.

October 30, 1913 – Lost – a small lap dog with yellow spots. Please return to Mrs. Frank
Mlecoch.

December 11, 1913 – Mrs. Henry Sandkamp visited at Albany last week.

January 1, 1914 – Jos. Sandkamp came over from Superior and spent Sunday with the
folks.

April 14, 1914 - Mrs. Henry Sandkamp entertained a large party of women at their hotel
on Sunday evening the occasion being her 50th birthday. The evening was spent playing
“Hasenpfeffer” and Mrs. Ed Wardian and Mrs. Phinepok were the prize winners. A
sumptuous midnight supper was served and everyone enjoyed a pleasant time. The
hostess was a recipient of a number of pretty and useful gifts. A number of friends from
Freeport and Melrose were present.

Miss Lizzie Sandkamp was over to St Cloud last week.

May 21, 1914 – Girl wanted at Merchants Hotel

June 4, 1914 - Landlady Sandkamp should not feed her people so good. Monday evening
Landlord Sandkamp and Steve Csanetz felt so gay after a big supper they had to wrestle it
out and the landlord got his right shoulder out of joint.

October 8, 1914 - “Meller-Sandkamp Wedding” - A wedding of considerable note


occurred last Tuesday morning, October 6th, when Miss Elizabeth Sandkamp was united
in marriage with Mr. George Meller, at St. Mary’s German Catholic Church by Reverend
Father E. Scheuer. The ceremonies were effective and very pretty. The bride was dressed
in cream lace with pink girdle and sash, and wore a veil and carried a shower bouquet of
roses, lilies of the valley, and smilax. The bridesmaids were Mary Sandkamp and Mary
Meller. Both wore blue chiffon and carried bouquets of roses. Little Stella Sandkamp was
flower girl.
The groomsmen were Geo. Fuechtmann of Melrose and Nick Meller of St. Paul. A
wedding dinner and supper were served to a large number of invited guests at the
Merchants Hotel. In the evening an immense throng enjoyed a wedding dance at the hall.

A great number of beautiful and costly wedding gifts were presented to the bridal couple.

The out-of-town guests were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Koetter and daughters Lizzie, and
Dinah, and Mrs. Herzog and daughter, Annie, of Freeport; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kerfield
and Mr. and Mrs. G. Fuechtmann and daughter, Lizzie, of Melrose, and Mr. Henry
Sunnermann, of Alberta, Canada.

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The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp, of the Merchants Hotel. She is
a popular and excellent young lady. The groom is the buttermaker at farmer’s creamery.
He is a prosperous and progressive young man. All the friends of the newly-weds wish
them joy and prosperity in their union.

Owing to circumstances they could not take their wedding trip just now but will do so
early next month. They will remain at the hotel for a time.

December 10, 1914 – Jos. Sandkamp spent a few days at home last week. He has been
traveling in the west since last spring and expects to locate at Butte, Mont.

December 17, 1914 – George Meller, the buttermaker at the farmers creamery, has
rented the Merchants Hotel from his father-in-law, Henry Sandkamp, and will take
charge at New Year. We have not learned who will take charge at the creamery.

January 7, 1915 – Henry Sandkamp has moved his family to the old parish house on the
hill. George Meller is now landlord at the Merchants Hotel.

January 14, 1915 – Jos. Sandkamp attended the K. C. meeting at Melrose, Sunday. He
joined the order out in Montana last summer.

January 28, 1915 – Mrs. Frank Mlecoch is suffering from an attack of tonsillitis.

February 4, 1915 – Henry Sandkamp has commenced pulling down the old German
Catholic church west of town.

February 25, 1915 – Mrs. Meller and Mrs. Arndt entertained the sewing circle the two
last times. Mrs. H. Sandkamp will entertain in next Thursday, March 4. All ladies are
asked to attend as usual.

March 11, 1915 – Mrs. George Meller is getting along nicely at the hospital in St. Cloud.

April 8, 1915 – Henry Sandkamp would like to know what became of his six turnkeys,
five black, and one gray. He will give a reward for their return or information of where
they are.

April 15, 1915 – Mine host Meller of the Merchants Hotel drives a big Overland touring
car acquired from the Elm Dale agency of Gunderson and Anderson.

May 20, 1915 – Henry Sandkamp and daughter, Mary, spent a few days in Minneapolis,
returning here Monday.

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June 10, 1915 – Val Herman has traded his lot back of the Merchants Hotel to Henry
Sandkamp for a lot opposite the depot near Mr. Stewart’s residence. This last lot he has
sold to the Standard Oil Company which is now putting in two storage tanks for kerosene
and gasoline. Mr. Herman will now have charge of the station here and will run a tank
team to deliver oil to nearby stations.

October 7 -1915 – The sewing circle meets with Mrs. George M. Meller at the
Merchants Hotel next Wednesday, Oct. 13. All ladies are cordially invited to attend.
Lunch will be served at 4 o’clock. The circle met last time with Mrs. Gerhard Abeln. The
attendance was good and all had a good time.

November 9, 1915 – Jos. Sandkamp returned to his business in Kilendale, N.D. last
Thursday. He has bought an interest in a large cold storage business there. He ordered the
Advertiser sent to him.

May 25, 1916 – Henry Sandkamp is making ready to build on the lot he bought in
Fairview subdivision.

August 31, 1916 – Henry Sandkamp has bought Geo. Meller’s big Overland car. Geo. is
figuring on being chauffeur and so get the use of the car the same as before.

October 12, 1916 – Landlord Meller, Mr. and Mrs. H. Sandkamp, and Mrs. Frank
Mlecoch motored to the state fair yesterday.

November 29, 1917 – “Thanksgiving Midnight Supper” – A big Thanksgiving mid-


night supper will be served The Merchants Hotel beginning at 11:00 p.m. Price 75c per
couple. Everyone is cordially invited to come and enjoy a good, square meal.

December 27, 1917 – Mrs. Geo. M. Meller has been on the sick list since Tuesday.

December 27, 1917 – The Merchants Hotel has put on fire escape ladders on the east and
south side of the building to comply with the state regulations. Winkler Brothers won the
contract, and their valuable employ, Stephen Gruidl made the iron fire escapes here,
which is a creditable piece of work.

January 24, 1918 – Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mlecoch are the happy parents of a baby boy,
who came to share their home Sunday, January 20.

January 31, 1918 – “Free Wedding Dance” – A Free Wedding Dance will be held at
THE SCENIC OPERA HOUSE, Holdingford Minnesota, February 6, by Mr. Christ.
Welna and his bride Miss Bridgit Sandkamp, and Mr. Clifford Olson and his bride. Mr.
Anton Yotti and his Drummer will furnish the music – Everyone is cordially invited to
attend. Note – Invitations having been sent out by Mr. Christ Welna and his bride
requesting attendance of their marriage on Tues Feb 5 but on account of Tuesday now
being heatless day, the wedding is postponed to Wednesday Feb, 6 1918.

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February 7, 1918 – Christopher J. Welna married Bridget Sandkamp at Mt. Mary’s
Catholic Church. The bride was attended by Agnes Welna, sister to the groom. Frances
Welna was the flower girl. After the wedding the young couple was taken for a short
sleigh ride to the bride’s home where a bounteous wedding dinner was served at 12
o’clock noon. The afternoon was spent at different games and entertainments and at 6
o’clock luncheon was served. The evening was spent dancing at the Scenic Opera House
at which a large attendance was present. Mr. Welna is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John
Welna. a well known merchant of Opole, Minnesota, and is a well known young man in
the community, having been in the employment at the Bielejeski General Store for a
number of years and the past two years has born the in the capacity as manager. Christ
has made numerous very intimate friends among the young men as well as the older
people in this community.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp an old time and well known
farmer residing ½ mile west of here. She is a very refined and well liked young lady in
this community and has made many intimate friends, as all those who had the pleasure of
making her are indeed glad to add her to their list of friends.

February 14, 1918 – Mr. and Mrs. Christ Welna went to Freeport Monday to attend a
dance there and spend a few days visiting friends.

April 18, 1918 – A letter was received by the editor from Jos. Sandkamp, who is now
located somewhere in France this week. Mr. Sandkamp writes that he is enjoying the
army life in France immensely, and the strange occurrences that are seen there every day,
make it very interesting. He says that donkeys hitched to a two-wheeled cart, is a
common sight, also to the see women do their washing on rocks in various streams, with
the use of a club is also a common sight there, as washing machines, or even the wash
board and tub, is an unusual sight there.

June 20, 1918 – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp attended the picnic given by the St.
Anthony church last Thursday.

June 27, 1918 – Mr. and Mrs. Christ Welna motored to St. Cloud.

July 11, 1918 – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Meller motored to
St. Cloud on Monday

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp and Mrs. Frank Mitchell motored to St. John’s University
on Tuesday.

July 18, 1918 – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp, Mr. and Mrs. Geo Meller, and Mrs.
Frank Mitchell motored to Melrose last Sunday to attend the farewell reception given for
Rev. Schirmers.

August 1, 1918 – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp, and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Meller motored
to Freeport on Monday afternoon.

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August 15, 1918 – Harry Sandkamp who has been employed at Freeport, returned home
today, and he leaves tomorrow in company with his brother-in-law, Frank Mlecoch, for
Oakes N.D.

August 28, 1918 – “Letters from the Boys” – The following letter was received by Val
Herman from Jos. Sandkamp who has been in France since November and is in the
ambulance corps.

Dear friend Val:

Don’t know just what to do and as I got the Holdingford paper this a.m. and was reading
it, naturally it recalled to my mind all my old friends. I always watch the paper for any
news of home and friends.

Well I know you like to hear from some of the boys and what is going on. I just came
from the front a week ago but still go up there two or three times a week. There is not
much to write about as you can’t tell in what part of the country we are in, but this is
what I can say. I have seen the Germans at the front and not far from the place the big
war is on. A few nights ago, I was in an air raid for a short time. I shall be mighty glad
when the war is over and I have learned to know what war means. France was once, sure
a beautiful country as we have seen France from one end to the other. Now we get to see
some towns that we can hardly tell ever was a town just a mass of ruins.

The American boys are sure going at it and sure have the Germans on the go. Still I do
not look for this war to be over for a year yet. I hope to live to see the end and get back to
tell you all I’ve seen. One of the boys that was in the old company I was in, has been
killed. That is the infantry; I am in the Ambulance Corps as a driver and our work is all at
night.

You know what Sherman stated that “War is Hell”. I don’t think he was right for it is
worse than Hell. But, as we just got this one war, I think we have to look after it. What do
you think Val. Well I must close for this time and hope to hear from you sometime.

Best regards to all my friends.

Your friend

Joseph Sandkamp, 162 Ambulance Corps A. E. F.

Somewhere in France

September 5, 1918 – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp, Mr. Mrs. Geo Meller motored to
St. Cloud to attend the Benton County Fair last Thursday.

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Meller, Henry Sandkamp, Knute Knutson, and Frank Mitchell
motored to St. Cloud to take in the state fair.

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September 13, 1918 – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp left for Minneapolis Monday for a
visit with friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp, Mrs. Frank Mlecoch, Mrs. Meller attended the funeral of
the late Henry Koetter at Freeport Monday.

Messrs. Christ Welna and Steve Gruidl left today for Colorado Springs Sanitarium where
the former will take treatments for his health.

September 19, 1918 – “Dies at Colorado Springs – Christ Welna passes away only
after a few days there. The sad news of the death of Christ Welna which occurred on
Friday evening at seven o’clock was received by relatives on Saturday. He had left on
Wednesday at week with Stephen Gruidl. Christopher Jacob Welna was born in
Holdingford on July 25, 1895, and spent his life in this vicinity. He enjoyed a large
acquaintance and was held in high esteem by them. He was employed by Wardian
Brothers for a number of years and the last two years held a position as clerk on Thos.
Bielejeski’s store. He was married on Feb 6, 1918 to Bridget Sandkamp and to this happy
union was child was born, a daughter, Jenette. Deceased was a member of the M.W.A.
and Knights of Columbus. Besides his wife and daughter, he leaves to mourn to his great
loss, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Welna; nine sisters, Anna, Agnes, Cecelia, Laonia,
Thecla, Theresia, Frances, Valeria and Lauretta; six brothers, Theodore, Alphonse,
Ludwig, Edward, Ambrose, and Florian, all residing in this vicinity. The body arrived
today and the funeral was held from St. Mary’s church on Friday morning. The woodmen
attended in a body and had charge of the funeral. The Advertiser and their host of friends
extend their sincere sympathy

Stephen Gruidl returned home from Colorado Springs where he accompanied the late
Christ Welna to the sanitarium.

September 26, 1918 – “Funeral Held Saturday” – Large Attendance Pays last to the
bereaved family and relatives. “Respects to Local Man” – The funeral of the late Christ
Welna was held in Holdingford last Saturday morning at nine o’clock from St. Mary’s
church and was largely attended. Rev. F. Scheuer, assisted by Rev. R. B. Golkowski,
officiated at requiem high mass. Special songs were rendered by the choir and Mrs.
George Abeln sang “face to face’. The Modern Woodmen and Knights of Columbus had
charge of the funeral and attended in a body. The pallbearers: Jack Hazen, Geo. Meller,
Peter Feis, Jack Lipsky, Andrew Lipsky, and Peter Theilman.

Mrs. Henry Sandkamp and daughter, Mrs. Christ Welna, returned Saturday from
Minneapolis where they visited friends for a week.

“Card of Thanks” – I take these means of expressing my gratitude and thanks to the
Modern Woodmen camp at Holdingford for their aid during the illness and burial of my
beloved husband. A special thanks to the Knights of Columbus.

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“Card of Thanks” – I wish to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all friends who
were so kind and helpful to us during the illness and burial of my dearly beloved
husband. Mrs. Bridget Welna

October 10, 1918 – Mrs. Henry Sandkamp and son Harry and Mrs. Bridget Welna and
Miss Anna Welna visited friend at Opole.

October 17, 1918 – Miss Bridgit Welna visited friends all last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp and son Harry and Mrs. Bridgit Welna and Miss Anna
Welna visited friends at Opole Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp Mr. and Mrs. Steve Gruidl and Mrs. Bridgit Welna
visited Upsala Monday.

December 9, 1918 – Mrs. Christ Welna accepted a position as operator in the local
telephone office.

December 9, 1918 - Mrs. Christ Welna and sister-in-law Miss Anna Welna, were at Sauk
Rapids and St. Cloud, from Wednesday until Saturday of last week.

December 18, 1918 – Membership in the Christmas Roll Call for the Red Cross: Serving
on the membership committee was Mrs. Bridget Welna. New members included: Mrs.
Bridget Welna, Anna Welna, and Alphonse Welna. To join all you need is a heart and a
dollar.

February 6, 1919 – Mrs. Christ Welna, and Miss Agnes Welna were Saulk Rapids
visitors a few days last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp visited with relatives and friends at Freeport and Melrose
last week.

John Meller bought the Henry Sandkamp house, across the street from the German
church for $4500.

February 20, 1919 – “Sandkamp on the Rhine” – “Trip of the A. C. 162”

On the first day of October the year nineteen seventeen, Co E of the Second North
Dakota, left Ellendale for Camp Green. Here a surprise did wait us, for when we landed
there a message he then told us we were to be transferred. It sure did hurt our Captain,
both our Lieutenants too, to think the Smashing Second should be made a medical crew.
On the twenty-fifth of October nineteen seventeen, with a new bunch of officers, we
pulled out of Camp Green. Our ride, it was a long one, but as we paid no bills, we didn’t
mind the ride from Camp Green to Camp Mills, and when we did reach the camp, the
muddiest we had seen, it was then we quit cursing the clay of Camp Green. Here twenty
boys were transferred back to the infantry.

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And oh, but they were happy, for one of them told me “My people never meant me a red
cross nurse to be.” We then got some other men form California, out west, and dandy
group of fellows, in fact, then at last we started, across the raging main, and if we ever get
the chance, we will cross just once again. Yet it was not bad on board ship, but when we
got on shore, we took a ride in box cars we’ll remember ever more. This ride took us to a
place called La Courtine. For billets we got barns and our stables were keen. Hard tack
was our breakfast, dinner time the same, then to change the ration for supper, we had
hard tack again. We were in La Courtaine but just a day or two, when thirty more boys
left us, which left us very few. We then made another move up to Condrecourt, the
sunniest place in sunny France. Again we were in barns, but not as good as the last. They
had been condemned for mules, so they gave them to us. Here we start our work as a
sanitary crew, and not a man was idle, in the A.C. 162. We left Condrecourt one June
morning in second class coaches, enroute, a twenty-four hour journey, to a place called
Rennougante. Our next move was a good one, to St. Die we went; we had good billets
and all were content, but sooner than we wished it we moved away, many miles behind
the line to a place called Rambervillers. Here we stayed a day or two, but forget we never
will, the day we packed our haversack bound for Merriler. We did not stay long then one
day we packed up again and ended up in Gerardmer. Gerardmer was a pretty place and
everything went fine, but one fine day, we moved again, and soon to see the Rhine. Our
way was through Condrecourt, the place we were before. Here we were greeted by old
friends by the court. We left Condrecourt next morning. Our trip was not so long, for four
o’clock found us in the forest of Argonne. At last we reached our destination, Echternach,
Prum and Ehrenbreitstein with the city of Coblentz in full view, direct across the river.
Now we have been in the Vorgen sector and the Argonne forest as well, and we have
been in many places we all shot to hell, and we have been in France for a year.

In many a place we have been, and many a job we have had and many a night we have
seen, and when the armistice was signed a month or two ago. The one six two has not
been idle, the cars have been on the go, and now that things are settled, home we’ll return
once more, to our homes across the water, to the country we adore, and let anybody ask
us, in the big war what did you do, let us stand right up and tell them, we were the men of
the A.C. 162.

Jos. Sandkamp

Ambulance Co 162, Germany

March 6, 1919 - Mrs. Henry Sandkamp and daughter, Bridget were St. Cloud callers on
Thursday and Friday consulting the doctor for Mrs. Sandkamp.

March 20, 1919 – The Mlecoch auction on Saturday afternoon was a decided success
and the household goods reached a good price. Frank Mlecoch and family left on
Wednesday for St. Paul, where he will take up a position with a lumber company.

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Henry Sandkamp and George Meller returned home on Saturday from Minneapolis,
where they accompanied Mrs. Sandkamp who will remain in a sanitarium there for the
treatment of cancer. No operation is necessary, as was first believed, so the trip to
Rochester was abandoned.

March 31, 1919 - Mrs. Christ Welna returned today from Minneapolis where she visited
several days with her mother, Mrs. Henry Sandkamp. While there she was taken ill with
tonsillitis and "a slight attack of the grippe, or flu."

April 10, 1919 – A cablegram was received by Henry Sandkamp from his son, Joseph,
stating that he sailed from Coblentz, Germany, on April 5 and is now homeward bound
which is joyful news to his relatives and friends. He has been with the Army of
Occupation since the Armistice was signed. Private Sandkamp recently returned from a
furlough to Rome where he had the distinguished honor of shaking hands with the Pope,
and visiting some of the historical places of that ancient city.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp came on Saturday from Minneapolis where the latter had
been taking medical treatments for the last three weeks. She is reported to be feeling good
and very much benefited by the treatments received from a sanitarium there. While in the
city, Mr. Sandkamp invested in some property.

April 24, 1919 – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp and Mr. and Mrs. George Meller were
Melrose visitors on Sunday.

May 1, 1919 – Mrs. George Meller went to the Cities on Tuesday.

The Merchants Hotel is being treated to a new coat of paint on the exterior this week.
Steve Csanetz is doing the work.

A pleasant birthday surprise was given on Mrs. Henry Sandkamp last Friday evening in
honor of her 55th birthday anniversary. A very sociable evening was spent on cards and
about thirty friends were present. A birthday cake decorated with 55 candles was an
impressive spectacle on the table, luncheon being served near the mid-hour, after which
the guests expressed their best wishes to Mrs. Sandkamp and hoped for many more
events of that kind.

May 22, 1919 - A very delightful reception took place at the Hazen home last Thursday
evening when Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Hazen were host and hostess to a surprise party given in
honor of the school teachers, Mrs. H. J. Schneider, Misses Mayme Zamorski, Helen
Katzmarek, Victoria Glatzmaier, and Eva Berg. Nine tables were placed for five hundred
at which Mrs. Math Wardian and Dr. L. A. Muedeking won first prize and Mrs. Bridget
Welna and Joseph Klasen took consolation prize. Following a series of games in cards, a
most delicious lunch was served, after which the men folks were detailed in a hat
trimming bee which caused a great deal of merriment. It proved that the men folks have
the tact for minute detail and turned out some exclusive styles.

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The trimmed hats were then donned by the feminine and Mrs. Helen Katzmarek was
awarded the prize for the best trimmed hat which was executed by Claude Abeln. Music
and dancing concluded the evening’s pleasantries and all departed to their homes
rejoicing in the good time so royally arranged for.

May 29, 1919 – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp and George Meller motored to the Cities
to meet Joseph Sandkamp, who returned from overseas.

Jun 26, 1919 – Mr. and Mrs. George Meller, Mrs. Bridgit Welna and Nick Meller were
Granite City callers Friday night.

September 4, 1919 – Mrs. Frank Mlecoch and children who have been spending a couple
of weeks with her folks and friends returned to her home in St. Paul on Saturday. Her
sisters, Mrs. Steve Gruidl and Miss Julia Sandkamp went with her for a two weeks’ visit.

December 1, 1919 – Little Jeanette the five-month old daughter of Mrs. Christ Welna
died today of influenza and burial took place from St. Mary’s church on Monday
afternoon. She is survived by her mother, the father having passed away last summer.
The Advertiser and many friends express their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved mother.

February 2, 1920 – The Masquerade dance held in Dreamland ballroom was a big
success. The Prize winners were: Mrs. Bridget Welna and Dr. W.S. Putnam captured first
place and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Jarnot were awarded the comic prize.

February 5, 1920 – Mr. and Mrs. George Fuechtmann of Melrose visited at the Henry
Sandkamp home on Sunday.

Nick Meller, Joseph and Tony Sandkamp left Wednesday for Minneapolis to take in the
auto show.

A farewell party was held at the hotel on Tuesday evening in honor of Bridgit Welna who
left on Wednesday for the Cities. Games were played and a delicious lunch was served.
Everybody present reported a wonderful time.

Mrs. Bridget Welna left Wednesday for Minneapolis where she will be employed by the
Northwestern Telephone Company. Miss Elinor Danzl of St. Joseph has taken her place
in the local office.

April 3, 1920 – Bridget Welna, Joseph Tony, and Harry Sandkamp, of St. Paul came
today to spend Easter with their folks. The boys returned in the 7th of April to their work.
Mrs. Welna will remain for a week.

April 13, 1920 – Mrs. Bridget Welna returned to her duties on Tuesday. She has been
visiting relatives since Easter.

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April 29, 1920 – Mr. and Mrs. George Meller, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp, Mr. and
Mrs. Steve Gruidl motored to St. Cloud on Tuesday.

Mrs. Henry Sandkamp, and daughter, Mrs. George Meller, left for Minneapolis on
Tuesday to attend the wedding of Miss Elizabeth Koenig, a girlfriend of Mrs. Meller, to
Mr. Frank Vondenburger. From there they will accompany the bridal company to
Cincinnati, Ohio, where they will spend three weeks with relatives.

May 5, 1920 – Bridget Welna, who has been employed by the Northwestern Telephone
Company in St. Paul, returned here today to assume Mrs. George Meller’s place as chief
operator during her absence.

George Meller and party met with a collision near Sartell on their way home from St.
Cloud recently. A Ford car driven by a Mr. Salzbrun, formerly of Rice but now residing
in St. Cloud, accidentally lost control of his car and smashed into Meller’s Overland,
knocking the wheel off and bending the fender. Mr. Salzbrun admitted the accident was
his fault and ordered a garage in St. Cloud to come and take the stranded party home and
also tow the car into the city at his expense.

June 3, 1920 – “Danzl-Sandkamp” – On June 1, the marriage of Joseph L. Sandkamp


and Eleanore Katherine Danzl was solemnized at St. Mary’s church in Holdingford at 10
o’clock. Rev. Scheuer officiated. A large number of relatives and friends attended the
ceremony.

Miss Frances Danzl of St. Joseph, a sister of the bride, was bridesmaid and Harry
Sandkamp, a brother of the groom, was best man. The two sisters of the bride, little
Misses Betty and Marie Danzl, were flower girls.

Mendlesohn’s wedding song was played by the organist, Mrs. H. J. Buscher, as the bridal
couple marched up the aisle to the altar. Mesdames Alois Abeln, and Mrs. H. J. Buscher
sang Ave Maria. An elaborate reception was held at the home of the groom’s parents, Mr.
and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp .

The bride wore white tricolette and carried a bouquet of white roses and lily of the valley.
She also wore lilies of the valley across the front of her veil. The bridesmaids wore white
marquisette and carried a bouquet of pink carnations.

About 200 couples attending the wedding dance in Dreamland hall on Tuesday evening.
Hand’s saxophone orchestra furnished the music. Everyone present enjoyed the best time
of the season. Midnight supper was served at the Merchants Hotel.

The bride is a highly esteemed and accomplished young lady and is worthy of her choice.
She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Danzl of St. Joseph and has scores of friends
throughout the county.

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The groom is a well known and popular young man of Holdingford and was one of the
heroes of the world war. He enlisted June 30, 1917 and was discharged May 27, 1919,
and was with the 162 Ambulance Corps. He held an enviable record in the army and is
worthy of remuneration in worldly goods.

Mr. and Mrs. Sandkamp will reside on the groom’s farm which he purchased from his
father and will engage in the pure bred poultry business.

Those in attendance at the wedding were: Mr. and Mrs. John Danzl and family of St.
Joseph; Mr. and Mrs. William Campbell and family; Mr. and Mrs. Casper Danzl; Mr. and
Mrs. John Plummer and Miss Marion Eitzendorfer, all of St. Cloud; Felix Keinig, of
Minneapolis; Mrs. Gerhard Fuechtmann and family of Melrose; Mr. Frank Mlecoch and
family and Tony and Harry Sandkamp, of St. Paul.

The Advertiser and a host of family and friends wish them the best of happiness and
success.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mlecoch of Minneapolis attended the Danzl-Sandkamp nuptials.

Tony and Harry Sandkamp, and O. A. Ness of Minneapolis attended the Danzl-
Sandkamp wedding here on Tuesday.

June 24, 1920 – Joseph Sandkamp received word on Tuesday to report to Army
headquarters at Fort Snelling, leaving for that point on Tuesday morning.

August 12, 1920 – Mrs. Bridget Welna and Miss Julia Sandkamp left on Saturday
morning for St. Paul. Mrs. Welna will be married to O. A. Ness of St. Paul on Monday,
August 16, in St. Paul.

August 19, 1920 – Miss Julia Sandkamp, of the village, will attend the Sacred Heart
School, in St. Paul, this coming term.

“Bridgit Welna is Married” –Pretty Wedding Take Place at Sacred Heart Church in St.
Paul. – Mrs. Bridget Welna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp of this village,
was united in marriage to Mr. O. A. Ness of St. Paul, this morning at Sacred Heart
Church in St. Paul at 9 A.M.

The bride was attired in a brown georgette gown and carried a bouquet of Roses and
Lilies of the Valley and was attended by Miss Clara Koenig of Minneapolis while Harry
Sandkamp , brother of the bride, was best man. After the ceremonies a bounties wedding
breakfast was served at the home of the groom to immediate relatives and friends. They
will make their home in St. Paul.

Those that attended the wedding were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp and their daughter
Julia of Holdingford. Mr. and Mrs. Fuechtmann of Melrose, Mr. Ness, father of the
groom, and daughter, Helen of Grand Forks.

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September 23, 1920 – Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sandkamp left on Tuesday for St. Paul
where they will make their home. Joseph who was injured in the world war will attend
school there.

December 6, 1920 - Mrs. Mlecoch and children returned to their home in Minneapolis
after spending the past week at the Sandkamp home.

Tony Sandkamp returned on Tuesday morning to Minneapolis after spending the week at
the home of his parents, Henry Sandkamp and family.

January 27, 1921 – Geo. Meller was in St. Paul the fore part of the week, where he was
called on the account of the accident of Julia Sandkamp.

Julia Sandkamp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandkamp, of this village, received
serious injuries last Friday evening, when she was struck by a street car while on her way
home. Miss Sandkamp had been attending school in St. Paul and was on her way home.

When the accident occurred she was crossing the street in preparatory to taking the street
car, hearing the street car coming she paid no attention, as the car usually had a stop to
make and continued to cross the street in the usual manner. However the car failed to stop
at the corner and Miss Sandkamp was struck unaware and received serious injuries.
An ambulance was called and she was taken to the home of her sister, Mrs. O. A. Ness.
Geo. Meller left for St. Paul on Saturday and in a telephone message on Tuesday stated
that the seriousness of her condition had not yet been learned.

February 25, 1920 – Miss Julia Sandkamp underwent an operation last Monday for
appendicitis. She is getting along very nicely at this writing.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sandkamp of St. Paul are the proud parents of a baby boy, born on
Sunday.

Other Items of Interest

November 19, 1908 – “James’ Boys Refuge Burns” – Timber Where Notorious
Outlaws Hid is Burned and Boy Blamed – Chandler, Minn. November 14 - A strip of
timber that had gathered historical fame as a refuge for the notorious Jesse James Gang
when they were pursued across the state after the Northfield bank robbery, burned here
yesterday. A boy’s neglect of a bonfire is said to have started the blaze. The tract, which
is a wild waste, was the only extensive timber in this vicinity for many miles.

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November 26, 1908 - “Football’s Fearful Toll” – Eleven Deaths and 304 Injuries is
Record for the Season of 1908 – Chicago, Nov, 24 – Gridiron warfare after exacting a
fearful toll during a season of approximately sixty-seven days, reached its finale
yesterday, the record of deaths and injuries showing a surprising increase. Up to last
week, the statistics showed ten deaths and 290 injuries to be directly due to football.

During the last week another player succumbed to injuries, while fourteen athletes were
borne to the sidelines and later taken to hospitals, suffering with broken legs, fractured
collar bones, splintered ribs and other wounds commonly resulting from the game. The
record of eleven deaths and 304 injuries scarcely tells the story of the season of 1908, for
other contests remain on the schedules for this season.

The record for the past eight years is as follows:


Years-----Deaths-----Injured
1901 7 74
1902 15 106
1903 14 63
1904 14 296
1905 24 205
1906 14 160
1907 15 166

December 31, 1908 – “Negro is world Champion” – Jim Johnson, the Texas Negro,
Takes Heavyweight Title from Tommy Burns – Sydney, N.B.W., Dec. 27 – Jack
Johnson, the big negro from Galveston, Tex., is the world’s champion heavyweight
pugilist. He won the title today in the big arena at Rushcutter’s Bay from Tommy Burns,
the French Canadian, who held it since James J. Jeffries relinquished it and after a chase
of Burns that had led half way around the world.

The end came in the fourteenth round, when the police seeing Burns tottering and unable
to defend himself from the savage blows of his opponent, mercifully stopped the fight.

July 21, 1910 - Sitting Bull Jr. and a small band of his braves, and one medicine man
came in off the reservation one night this week and treated the citizens to a ghost dance.

August 11, 1910 - Buffalo Bill will make his last appearance in the show business in
Little Falls on Saturday, August 18. His Wild West show has been something unique and
many people from here will take this last opportunity to see it. Several novel and
attractive features have been added to the show. It will be a great exhibition.

October 17, 1912 – “Roosevelt is Shot” - Attempt is made on the ex-President’s life at
Milwaukee, Wis. Theodore Roosevelt was shot in the breast, but not killed last Monday
evening, Oct. 14, about 8 o’clock. He had just entered his auto to go to the auditorium to
speak when a man named John Schrank, from New York, pushed through and fired. The
bullet passed through Roosevelt’s heavy overcoat, and other clothes, also a thick fold of
manuscript in his breast pocket and entered the flesh an inch below the right nipple.

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It ranged upward about 4 inches but did not enter the lung. The assassin was captured and
states he wanted to prevent Roosevelt from being President third term. Mr. Roosevelt
went to the meeting and spoke for an hour and then went to the hospital for treatment.
The wound may become dangerous, but he is doing well for now.

May 8, 1913 – “Notice of Speed Limit” – Notice is hereby given the village-council has
ordered that no automobile, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle shall travel at a speed
exceeding a rate of six (6) miles per hour within the city limits.

December 18, 1913 – “A Grand Surprise” – Howell’s $5,000 electric motion picture
show will be at Herman’s Hall in Holdingford all week long commencing Monday night,
December 22nd. Change of program every day. Five thousand feet of film at every
exhibition, all pictures by electricity. Pictures of travel, scenic film, western and dramatic
films, plenty of roaring comic films. The best equipped traveling picture show in
America.

August 20, 1914 – “Pope Pius X is Claimed by Death” Rome, Aug. 20 – Pope Pius X
died at 1:20 this morning. He had been ill for several days but alarming symptoms did not
develop until Wednesday. The dying Pope, in a period of lucidity, said: “Now I begin to
think, as the end is approaching, that the almighty, in his goodness, wishes to spare me
the horrors Europe is undergoing”.

August 20, 1914 – “Germans Close to Brussels” – The allies opposed to Germany
claim ability to stop their enemy but have not justified their claim by results to date.
French troops invade Alsace-Lorraine, but fail to gain any but friendly territory. Russia
has had considerable success against Austria. The Czar now has 5,500,000 men
mobilized and proposes offensive action. Russian horde may overwhelm Teuton forces.

October 29, 1914 – “Ford the Universal Car” – Lower prices on Ford Cars Effective
August 1st, 1914 to August 1st, 1915, and guaranteed against any reductions during that
time. All cars fully equipped f.o.b. Detroit. Runabout $440, Touring Car $490, Town Car
$690

October 29, 1914 – “Attention” A meeting of the citizens of Holdingford will be held in
the Scenic Opera House, Saturday evening Oct. 31st, 1914, at 7:30 to consider the matter
of electric lights. A representative from Minneapolis, and others, will be on hand to give
information on the subject. Everyone is invited to attend.

December 10, 1914 – “Lights Coming” – It takes a time keeper and a card index to keep
up with Holdingford.

We are going to have electric lights after all. They are almost ready. The building is up
and the machinery will be installed at once. The poles have been set and the wire strung
and today we print the franchise and the contract whereby the village gets street lights.
About the middle of January next, Holdingford will be shining like a jewel.

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January 14, 1915 – The electric light plant was first started up last Friday evening and
light furnished in the corner saloon for a while. Saturday evening the lights were turned
on the streets. It certainly looked good. The lights will not be turned on regularly for a
few days yet.

February 3, 1916 – Nemec Theatre, St. Cloud – One week starting February 6, Sunday
matinee – Elliot and Sherman present twice daily – “The Worlds Mightiest Spectacle”,
D.W. Griffith’s “The Birth of a Nation”. Good Horses, 18,000 People, 5,000 Scenes,
Cost $500,000, Symphony Orchestra of 30.

Daily Matinees, 25c, 50c, 75c, 1.00

Evening “ 50c, 75c, 1.00, 1.50

February 28, 1918 – “Holdingford Lightless” – The mass meeting held here last
Monday evening by Mr. Fred Speechly, secretary of the Holdingford Light Company.
was not very well attended, and according to all probabilities, Holdingford will not only
have Wheatless, Meatless, Heatless, Snowless, days but most of all “Lightless nights”
and the people of this community are wondering what the “whatnextless” will mean.

May 27, 1920 – “Aeroplane creates sensation in Holdingford on Monday” – Cyril


Stodolka, the Royalton aviator, accompanied by Alvin Orth, arrived on the Frank Meier
field at five-thirty Monday afternoon with 65-horse Curtis. He came over in about 8
minutes against the wind. The news of his coming was circulated around earlier in the
day, and a large crowd of spectators were awaiting his arrival.

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