Eidsvold, WI History (1917)

Transcribed by Stan Schwarze

 

Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 11/22/1917

 

Early Eidsvold Photo

 

Thirteen years ago on the site of the now flourishing village of Eidsvold, Clark County, Wis., stood a solitary log cabin occupied by a frontiersman, Clint Craig by name, who has since become famous as pleader in Judge Burke's court and a wholesale maker of saw logs and basswood bolts.  Twelve years ago the Wisconsin Central railroad penetrated the forests of northern Clark County and split the Peterson farm at Rogers Creek cornerwise.  Since then behold! A marvelous change has taken place.  The little shanty of pioneer days stood firm on its foundation until the Jake Bye era, when one day a careless Scandinavian knocked out his pipe in one corner, and the historic building immediately went up in smoke, a kerosene barrel and two cakes of Santa Claus soap belonging to Bye, Briml and Transtad, being consumed in the flames. 

 

The unbroken forest has been transformed into a vast prairie the location of aforementioned village, which consists of 12 houses, 13 full grown board shanties and Jorgenson's hen coop with two windows in the upper story.  Among the principal business institutions are Nye, Lusk & Hudson's large general store, which contains an assortment and W. S. Parks agent for all the leading periodicals of the day.  This firm also owns a large manufacturing plant, which turns out superior grades of lumber, shingles and lath.  There is also a planing mill where Plain lumber is made.  Mrs. Johnson and Mat Storey each run a boarding house and we understand that Jor Baxter will soon open another.  There are two blacksmith shops and room for as many more among the stumps.  The baseball club, ice cream parlors and croquet grounds have gone into winter quarters but will resume operations in the spring. 

 

The "Eidsvold & Northern R. R." has been surveyed and will be built as far as the flood dam, a full half-mile north of here, next season.  This will necessitate a depot and telegraph office, which will be represented by a boxcar and a third class operator.

 

Eidsvold is connected with Stanley, Thorp and Boyd by telephone and other natural ties.  By way of education we have a school where the children learn to play baseball and marbles with the same grace and elegance as graduates of the great eastern colleges.  As for religion there are Union, Methodist and Lutheran Church societies.  Also the Glee Club, a moral society.  Sociability is stimulated by weekly dances.