Minot History from 1915 #4

1915 Tales From Old Timers #4 – A Timid Justice of the Peace – If a citizen was generally disliked, not effort eo disguise the fact was made, as in the case of one Justice of the Peace O’Rourke. This man was by no means popular, and a silent vote was passed to rid the community of his presence. O’Rourke was of a timid disposition, a fatal thing in those days. Although he was mortally afraid of firearms, as a protection he carried a rifle with him at all times night and day. A small whiskey keg was filled with gunpowder and placed under his residence as a gentle reminder that he was not needed. Although the bomb failed to explode, the scare was sufficient enough to cause O’Rourke to look for a new home. Shortly afterwards he left the district. Although unpopular O’Rourke held the office for many years.

1915 Minot History Book Sponsors

1915 Sponsors  Tales From Old Timers – West Hotel – 126 First Ave Southeast – Rates 50 cents and 75 cents …. Phone 506 Blue ….. A E Boynton – Harley Davidson Agent …. Campbell Mercantile Co. .. Dealers in Quality Groceries, Crockery, and Household Necessities…. Foster & Connolly Plumbing and Heating…Repair work a specialty and estimates furnished on request. R W Duvall – exclusive leather goods store – trunks, bags, suitcases and Harness. Specialty Sales Co. – sales agents for the world’s best lines of specialties. W R Lemonnier – farm lands and city property … loans rentals and general insurance located in the Brauer Block in Minot.  E H Boyer – Clothing and furnishings for men and boys.

Cover of the History Book

Minot History from 1915 #3a

 Churches were not as plentiful in those days and services were often held at unusual places. A certain Methodist preacher came to town and wanted to hold services in one of the saloons. Someone named Jack Ware promised to make all the necessary arrangements. On the appointed day, the preacher arrived at the saloon and inquired of the proprietor if he could hold the service. “Sure” replied the saloon keeper, “ yer kin preach here, mister sky pilot, providing yer don’t disturb the poker game that’s agoing on

1915 History of Minot #3

#3 – Large bands of horses and cattle bound for the Eastern Markets would pass through Minot every year. The peaceful city became the scene of many a cowboy brawl. Horse racing, bronco busting and gambling were the main forms of entertainment. Friendly competitions and all personal disputes were usually settled on the main thoroughfare. In the rear of the where the Scofield Block is was a huge corral. As late as 1900 it was used as an exhibition ground. Cowboys and settlers would congregate in the evening when bronco busting and other sports were indulged in much to the amusement of the gathered crowd. One of the more prominent “punchers” at the time was a well known Minot man named Jack Nichols.

Minot History as of 1915 #2

#2 – Up until 1885 the only form of government was a Vigilante Committee. In 1885 the settlement began to assume some importance so they decided to elect a Sheriff to preserve law and order. That election took place in a barnyard at Burlington which wasthe county seat at that time. There were two applicants for the position. Amos Tracy was the favorite and elected unanimously. His competitor disputed the validity of the election on the grounds of miscount and even attempted to prove he was the better man by physical force. The case was taken to court, but by the time his charge was upheld, Tracey’s term had expired. This was probably the first instance of political influence in Minot.

While the sportsmen of 1915 had to be satisfied with Prairie Chickens and other small game, in the early days, deer, antelope and buffalo were plentiful and formed the chief source of fresh meat.

1915 History Book Sponsors

1915 Sponsors #1a – Tales From Old Timers Russel Miller Milling Co – The “Occident” Guarantee – Buy a sack of “Occident” flour and make as many bakings as you wish. If you are not satisfied that it is better than any other flour you have ever used, return the sack or unused flour and Get Your Money Back!!.. Cost more --- Worth it! ….. LC Smith & Brothers Typewriter Co. – Featuring LC Smith Typewriters with Ball Bearings … a longer lasting machine …. Rental and second hand machines available.

1915 Tales from Old Timers 1

1915 – Tales From Old Timers 1a-- from the Independent in July 1915 The North American Publicity Bureau has just issued a very unique booklet, "Tales from Old Timers," dealing with the early comic history of Minot, together with some facts concerning the city as it is today , (1915 ). The cartoons were drawn by H. J. Linney, who has displayed unusual ability. Associated with Mr. Linney is T. S. Kipping, who had charge of the descriptive matter and the advertising. Many of the business and professional men are represented in the advertising columns. Many of these books will be distributed between Minot and San Francisco. Mr. Kipping and a partner will leave in ten days for the west by motorcycle, stopping enroute, to dispose of these books.