News and History of Events Articles, Pine Co., MN USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Carol C. Eddleman I have an old, yellow copy of a small newspaper-sized edition of "the Souvenir Edition of Chengwatana Chronical, Pine County, Minnesota--an updated chronical of news and history of events as they actually happened and how they may have been written. Price 35 c." I don't know what the publication date is. I know that it is sometime after 1969, as there is something quoted within dated 1969. The Editors article says, in part: "This newspaper is dedicated to all the hardy people of Pine County, Minnesota who through hard work, courage, and vision "created" this land of opportunity. By trial and sometimes error, as with all human beings, this region was brought through the various milestones of our history. With a little tongue in cheek we have attempted to recreate these happenings and events and, in this way, make them come alive to you..." The Editors Ron Nelson, Chairman of the Pine County historical Society Kon Bergum, Pine Soil Conservation District In cooperation with the Pine County Historical Society, Pine County Tourist Committee, Pine County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Pine County Extension Office. Here are some of the older entries...remember, these are "recreated" accounts... "KATE R" LAUNCHED June 1881 (page 3) The 125 foot stern-wheeled excursion boat "Kate R" owned by Mr. Richard Robinson and named for his wife was launched today from Pine City. Elijah Seavey from the Village has been named captain of the 80 passenger craft. Mr. Robinson, in selecting "Cap" Seavey as the boat's pilot, chose a man with a vast amount of sailing experience on the St. Croix and Snake Rivers and Pokegama and Cross Lakes. The "Kate R" will make regular trips stopping at various locations including the Tuxedo Inn, the finest resort on Lake Pokegama. CHENGWATANA NAMED COUNTY SEAT March 1, 1850 (page one) With very informal ceremony, the village of Chengwatana officially was named the County Seat of Pine County. Presently, Chengwatana has 92 hardy souls who are striving to make their town a decent place to live. The village, located at the Snake River outlet of Cross Lake, has been a village site for many years and is located on a modern United States Government Military Road. UNION JACK RAISED OVER CONNOR'S TRADING POST (headline page one) Tom Conner announced the ground breaking October 12, 1804 of his new fur trading post on the Snake River. He reports the supplies of furs are very good. The Union Jack is flying as evidence that Mr. Conner is doing business with one of the best fur companies. The highest prices are paid by his firm, the Northwest Company. The most modern fur trading facilities available in the Northwest are here. This includes sleek canoes and fast transportation and communications with the outside world on the tremendous river system via the Snake, St. Croix and Brule River. Connor (sic)reports that Europe is crying for our furs. MILITARY ROAD COMPLETE (page one) General W. W. Wheeler announced today, July 1, 1857, the completion of the Military Road between St. Paul and Superior and that it is now open for overland travel. This is good news for the settlers and logging camps as now year around travel is posible. This modern highway is suitable for stagecoaches and buggies as well as horseback and walking travel. Overnight accomodations are available at the Chengwatana, Deer Creek, Rock Dam stations and others. General Wheeler stated this new overland route, costing over $20,000 should also provide a boost in homesteading and land speculation since this highway will provide good access for shipping produce from the area. This will supplement water transportation during the winter months. HINCKLEY RUFFIANS TO BURN PINE CITY COURTHOUSE March, 1915 (page 8) According to reports received here, a gang of ruffians from Hinckley will arrive at Pine City on this election eve to burn the Courthouse. A call has been made for all able-bodied men to meet at the Courthouse and man water hoses when the invaders appear. The controversy has suddenly flurried again over the demand that County Seat be moved to Hinckley. Because Pine City is poorly located, from a geographical point of view, to serve as governmental headquarters for the County. It is also alleged that the present building needs repair and is too small. Pine City officials state that this action is premature because the new proposed village hall under consideration could provide all necessary space for county functions.