Historic Map - Waukesha, WI - 1880
Starting at $34.00
Historic Map - River Falls, WI - 1880
Description
Beautifully colored and detailed historic map of River Falls, Wisconsin, published by J. J. Stoner in 1880, reprint.
Below is a story that originally ran in the "River Falls Journal" on October 31, 1878, recalls an eventful day in the history of the city of River Falls - the much anticipated arrival of the railroad.
Features numbered references to the following locations:
1. Academy.
2. State Normal School.
3. Rail Road Depot.
4. Post Office.
5. Fair Grounds.
6. Baptist Church.
7. Congregational Church.
8. Episcopal Church.
9. Methodist Church.
10. Roman Catholic Church.
12. Junction Mills, Freeman & Stephens.
13. Cooper Shops, Freeman & Stephens.
14. Cascade Mills, Wm. Barker.
15. Greenwood Mills, Geo. Fortune.
16. Prairie Mills, J. D. Putman.
17. Carriage Works, Wm. W. Davis.
18. Lumber and Feed Mill, J. Foster.
19. Tremont House, L. W. Eldred, Proprietor.
20. Commercial Hotel, J. E. Loucks.
21. Cooper Shop, L. Reynolds.
22. River Side House, J. Goodwin, Proprietor.
23. Central House, B. Mayer, Proprietor.
24. River Falls Brewery, C. F. Krauth.
25. W. J. Johnson & Co., City Livery.
26. Carriages and Agricultural Implements, W. S. Ensign.
27. Lumber Yard, S. G. Evans.
28. Carriage Factory, N. Wales.
29. Foundry and Machinist, Young Bros.
30. Livery Stable, A. H. Lord.
31. Cooper Shop, F. Rogers.
32. Lumber Yard, R. S. Burhyte.
This story originally ran in the "River Falls Journal" on October 31, 1878:
"Saturday was a gala day for the citizens of River Falls. At an early hour the streets were thronged with a busy crowd. Wagons were hastening to and from bringing in from the country around the generous donation to the citizens entertainment. Long tables had been spread in Brackett's hall which were rapidly filled with choice viands.
As the hour of noon drew near an immense crowd gathered between the bridges awaiting the arrival of the train. As the minutes passed and the time of expected arrival came, the telegraph office was besieged for latest news. "Has the train left Hudson? When will it arrive?" were questions propounded a dozen times a minute. Carleton sat a little impatiently calling Hudson for a half an hour without a response. The operator at Hudson as it appears having left her office to view the train.
Fearing some failure in the arrangements boys were dispatched to the mounds and roofs of the buildings to give notice when the first glimpse of the locomotive circling the mound should be obtained. But at length the dispatch came and was read to the large crowd: "Train left Hudson; 500 aboard."
Then the inspiring strains of the band announced the fact to the multitude on the streets and all hastened to the depot grounds to receive the coming guests.
In a short time the shrill shrieks of the engine aroused the echoes of the valley and the first train came into River Falls. Then the excitement rose to fever heat. Loud cheers from the assembled multitude drowned the playing of the band and all hastened to greet their friends as the train came slowly to a stop.
After congratulations and the announcement from the statistician of the train, "485 aboard", the Hudson and River Falls bands leading the procession took its way to Brackett's Hall. The ladies were ready and soon nearly all the excursionists were seated at the tables, the remainder spending the time, until a second table was spread, in visiting the mills and other places of attraction.
Great credit was given by the guests to the ladies for their dinner, and all seemed to be entirely satisfied with the good things so bountifully spread.
At three o'clock p. m. the formal reception was held at the Normal Chapel. An audience of six hundred people assembled, and the exercises were opened by a brilliant overture by the River Falls Band. President Parker then in behalf of the citizens, and as a representative of the Normal School, made the visitors welcome. To his mind the difference between the successful management of a school and a railroad was a kind rather than a degree. The same energy, perseverance and executive ability were required. Today is an epoch in the history of River Falls. Those only who had made the trip between Hudson and River Falls in dark nights or stormy weather could appreciate the advantages of the thirty minute trip on a railroad, and he had felt like throwing up his hat with the rest of the boys.
To the citizens of Hudson, Stillwater and St. Paul, River Falls extends a hearty welcome, with the hope that these better facilities will create a more intimate acquaintance. President Parker closed his remarks by calling E. R. Stephens, chairman of committee of arrangements, to the chair.
Mr. Stephens after a brief speech called on E. F. Drake president of the Sioux City railroad. Mr. Drake remarked that though he was still a young man he had attended railroad openings for thirty years, and none better than this. This railroad would be a great advantage to River Falls and would aid greatly in its development. After a few humorous remarks in relation to the side advantages the railroad would bring, he called on ex-governor Ramsey of St. Paul.
Governor Ramsey remarked that he had passed through this valley twenty-three years ago and today the changes seemed marvelous. He believed with the colored preacher at Richmond, "The World do move." He was afraid the time would come when there would be no more railroads to build, and where then would be "free rides and lunches?". He hoped this line would be extended to Ellsworth and opened very soon.
John J. Brisbin was then called upon and made some forcible remarks on the relation of labor and capital. None but a demagogue would divide or separate their mutual interests. The two must combine to produce the best results. Col. Hewitt was the next speaker.
This country surprised him. It was beautiful beyond expectations, and his surprise was increased at the thousands gathered to greet them on their arrival. He was a railroad man and never opposed to railroads. He had built many railroads on paper.
H. A. Taylor, very loudly called for, stepped upon the platform.
He said he deserved the credit for opening the first line of communication between Hudson and River Falls. He did it twenty-three years ago on the route now used by the railroad. He, however, used a team and stage. Unfortunately his concern resembled a railroad too closely. It went into the hands of receivers very soon. His recollections of River Falls were very pleasant. Here he courted the present Mrs. Taylor. Some of the difficulties under which he labored he would portray. The whole speech was very humorous and kept the audience in an uproar.
Judge Goodrich then followed with a few witty remarks and a Bible quotation slightly mixed, which caused much mirth in the audience.
H. A. Murdock had proved by the best of proof -- personal experience -- that a certain Stillwater editor who had predicted a famine at River Falls is no prophet. The editor had done his best to make the prediction true, but in vain.
Judge Wetherby congratulated the people upon their new acquisition, but the lateness of the hour prevented his making any lengthy remarks.
A. P. Weld was then called upon. He remarked: "It has been deemed best to give the speaker the duty of introducing the new sister to the railroad towns of the northwest, River Falls is a New England town in a western state imbued with the restlessness of western life. Her early citizens built first a church, and have maintained the traditional customs of their early home. In the midst of a fertile country with magnificent water-power, now only partly developed, the railroad will bring her in close alliance with St. Paul. It is not amiss to here call attention to the fact that here was the home of Lute A. Taylor, the lamented and gifted poet and editor. Here he commenced his career. here was his best loved home, and in yonder cemetery, outlined against the brown foliage of autumn, rises the marble shaft that chronicles his fame."
Judge Foster being called upon said: "As the oldest settler here my memory on this occasion wanders back thirty years and traces the form of my friend, the Indian Chief, upon the summit of yonder mound, strongly outlined against the sky, as he looks upon his happy hunting grounds and the home of his father. We are friends, but he has gone with his tribe toward the setting sun, and in his stead the civilization of the East crowds upon us. For the silent tread of his moccasin we have exchanged the heavy roar of the locomotive. Happy will we be if in our future with the advantages we have we use them as well as the older denizens of the soil."
The hour for closing having arrived, the benediction was pronounced by Rev. N. T. Blakeslee and the meeting adjourned with a resolution of thanks to the people of River Falls for their generous and hospitable entertainment.
After the adjournment of the meeting the band and a numerous concourse of citizens escorted the visitors to the depot, and as the train moved away bid them adieu with hearty cheers which were cordially returned.
Thus closed a day of which River Falls may well be proud.
Considering the brief notice given it seems almost marvelous to consider the work done. It is estimated that more than 600 people took dinner at Brackett's Hall, and still there was an abundance."
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