First Child at Carrington Recalls Days of No Playmates But Big Plans. Being Made for Metropolis of City: (Independent, September 20, 1928)
Mrs. Jessie Soliday Mackenzie, first child at Carrington:
When you first saw Carrington in the fall of 1882 what was here?
The townsite was entirely covered with a blanket of snow. Many places six, eight, and ten feet deep depending on how hard and which way the wind blew, pulling it in drifts
Was there a sidewalk or a brick building in town?
No, indeed.
How many houses?
Two or three rudely, roughly constructed shacks.
Where were the business places located?
There were no business places until the spring of 1883. They were mostly located on Main Street as now.
Was obtaining drinking water a serious problem?
Yes, the first winter melted snow was used exclusively for drinking water. For several years one, fine faithful, old well known as the "section house well", supplied the drinking water. It was hauled in barrels by Peter Johnson who had complete control of the water supply in Carrington at that time. This was our only means of getting water.
How long before another family with children for you to play with, came to Carrington?
Six months. The O.G. Meachem family moved here from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at that time. Mr. Meachem was the first banker here.
When was the first religious service held and how was it inspired?
The first religious service was held in the dining room of the Park House in the spring of 1883, conducted by Rev. Wirt, an early missionary. This was the first organization of the Congregational church here and was inspired, as usual by the desire and yearning of some of our earliest settlers for a place where they could worship God and receive the benefits and consolation they had in their former Eastern homes. Pretty much the same desire that inspired the Pilgrim Fathers to establish religious worship in their new home. Some of our earliest settlers came from that sturdy New England stock. One of the prime movers in this was J. Morely Wyard.
How soon was a school established and where and how, and how many pupils?
The first school in Carrington was known to a very few. It was little. The teacher was a widow, Mrs. Amelia Wilder, who now lives in Long Beach, Cal. There were not more than a dozen pupils. It was, as I remember it, sort of a kindergarten. Our fathers, of course, financed it.
The first public school was established in the fall of 1883. There were only 20 pupils enrolled; all the children there were in town at that time. The teacher was a widow, Mrs. Mitchell. The site and building had been donated by Carrington & Casey, the original owners of the townsite.
What was done that first winter for amusement?
The early settlers of Carrington and community were of an unusually high class coming from refined, cultured homes in the east and elsewhere. The amusements and entertainments were along the usual lines. After the erection of the first Kirkwood hotel, some attractive social affairs were held there including one very elaborate ball. There were concerts and church affairs such as suppers, pink teas, donation parties, etc. and I think some card "fiends" were in town as far back as that; believe whist and eucher were the popular games then. There were also some plays given and the ever-present road shows of one-night stands.
Was there plenty of fuel on hand?
Yes, I never knew of any lack except the first winter when we were compelled to burn railroad ties.
What do you recall about the issuing of the first newspaper here and is a copy of that issue still in existence?
The first newspaper was The Carrington News a rattling good newspaper too. Clean, live and well set up; perfect English. The first copy with a printed card bearing this inscription: "Mrs. H.A. Soliday, the first copy of the Carrington News, presented to the first lady resident with the publisher's compliments." This card which was tucked away in the family Bible at the time of presentation has reposed there ever since, but regret that the paper seems to have been lost or destroyed.
Do you remember the first fire in Carrington and what was used to fight it?
Yes, the first fire in Carrington was the fine, practically new Kirkwood Hotel which in short order was reduced to cinders and ashes, also all of its contents. The facilities for fighting fires were very meager, consisting of a volunteer bucket brigade. There was very little water available. Everyone offered suggestions as to what should be done but were unable to do anything. From all that I have heard about that fire, the roles enacted there would have been material for a good movie. There was both tragedy and romance. It has been the subject of reminiscence ever since, in groups who lived here at the time and always provokes much laughter.
Do you remember the county seat fight and the separation of Eddy and Foster counties?
I remember hearing my father talk about it. He seemed to be on the inside so to speak. The reason, of course, for the division was a quarrel between the rival towns of Carrington and New Rockford, both in one county at the time as to which should be the county seat. County commissioners at that time were E.W. Brenner and H.M. Clark of New Rockford and L.R. Casey of Carrington. The quarrel resulted in the division of the county in 1884 in the center from east to west making it necessary to reorganize Foster County. This was done by the appointment of A.O. Elder, F.G. Barlow, as county commissioners and L.R. Casey the holdover.
What are your recollections of Mr. Casey and Mr. Carrington the founders of the town?
Mr. Casey in the picture I have in my memory of him, stands out as one of the most dignified; charming men I have ever known; always a gentleman. I know whereby I speak, for as a child it was my privilege to have as my playmates the Casey children, son, Cary and daughter, Theodora, and I spent much time in the Casey home. He was at one time an unsuccessful candidate for United States senator. North Dakota would have had a representative to be proud of had he been successful.
I never knew Mr. Carrington; think he was known here only by name.
About what time, in your estimation did Carrington pass from a pioneer western settlement into a city of homes and settled conditions?
Of course many pioneers' residence here was of short duration. Carrington passed through two or three boom periods. At one time several carloads of people were induced to come here through railroad immigration agents. Either we did not measure up to their expectation or they didn't measure up to ours for practically none remained. Apparently. I think Carrington really passed from a pioneer town or settlement at the time it was organized as a city, at which time we gave up some of our primitive modes of living for more modern ones.
Who was the first physician here?
Dr. P.O. Hackleman. In looking through an old photograph album recently I saw his autograph there. I remember him well. He attended me through a siege of illness when I was a little girl and purchased a new dress for my doll and gave me 10 cents as an inducement to take bad medicine.
When did Dr. McKenzie locate in Carrington?
In the early fall of 1893. He was 23 and had just graduated in medicine from the University of Toronto.
What were the ideas of the first settlers as to Carrington's future? Was it considered then that the city was located favorably for greater growth that it has had?
The early settlers were very optimistic as to Carrington's future. Some of their hopes and dreams I am afraid never materialized. At that time it was considered a mistake that it was not located on Lake George, nine miles southwest of here; at that time an attractive lake, but it has since disappeared entirely.
How long was your father in business?
About thirty years. Father retired about 15 years before his death in 1923.
Who were others of the early day merchants and professional men?
Strong & Chase were very successful pioneer merchants here, both New Englanders
Mr. Chase from Boston and Mr. Strong from Vermont, Durbrow Bros. (Lamont, Harry, and George from New York)
A.G. Covel, now of Sykeston
Porter Churchill, hardware
D.M. Smith and J. Buchanan Sr.
Dr. W.B. Warren, second physician here
Warring & Harriman, real estate
Heber McHugh, lawyer
Urquart & Appleby, law and real estate
Startis & Ballack, lumbermen
I am referring only to the very first ones.
With the great influx of settlers in the spring of 1883 were nearly all farms settled upon?
No, I think not. Most of the more valuable pieces around town were settled upon, but greater distance between neighbors in the county existed then than now.
Did many of the pioneers bring money with them?
Some brought capital but not all. Have in my possession the deposit book of Bank of Carrington which closed in '93 giving the exact amount of all depositors at that time. There were not startlingly large amounts. Father was receiver of that bank.
What did they do in winter for pleasure - any big community gatherings?
They did the usual thing. There was a very fine friendly spirit existing then than in this more modern age. We saw more of each other.
Was there much suffering from cold and hunger among the pioneers?
I never knew of any. Suffering from hunger and cold has never been permitted in this community for, as the scripture says, "The poor we always have with us, " but those more fortunate have always seen to it that the less fortunate ones were taken care of when the cases were brought to their attention. There were some deaths from freezing within a short distance from here but they were usually caught out in a storm and unable to reach home. I can think of only one specific case. Two men between here and Cathay, one's name was Hardy. I do not recall the other.
How long was it before homes as opposed to small claim shacks became reasonably general on the prairies around Carrington?
As people prospered they improved their surroundings and built better farm homes. The J.W. Murphy home near Bordulac was one of the earliest and best farm homes.
Was there a tree in sight when you first saw Carrington?
No.
Do you recall the pioneer who first ventured to grow trees?
O.G. Meachem was the first to plant trees in their own. Also to experiment with fruit. He planted currant bushes many, many years ago. The trees he planted are still beautiful and are to be seen on what is known as the Wing property on the west side.
Are any of the original buildings here still standing?
The first courthouse built in 1887 now used as a laundry is one. My father was county commissioner at the time and had much to do with its planning and construction. A few residences, the house owned and occupied by Mrs. B.L. Russell was one of the very earliest, then known as the Dearborn house; and also the house built and occupied by the Meachem family the first year. It was moved on another lot at the time the Wing's built their new home. One other house on the west side which was built the first year known as the Phelps and Oliphant house; one a block or two north of the Congregational church, known as the C.D. Smith house. He was the first postmaster here. Part of my own house known as the old Soliday homestead was also built this first year.
Were oxen much used for farm work in early days?
There were some, but I really think not as generally as one might imagine. They were soon supplanted by horses and mules. We never had them on our farm; my father was not possessed of that much patience.
Were people more contented then than now?
I believe they were. We didn't live the rapid pace we do now. There was more home life; the pleasures were simple ones, with old Dobbin and the rubber tired buggy. We couldn't wander so far away from our home environment in a few hours.
Coming down from New Rockford a few evenings ago, as I watched the big red, full moon, slowly rising in the east, I remarked to a pioneer who was with me, "That reminds me of the "mornings" we used to arrive home after attending a dance in New Rockford when I was a girl; but it was the sun that came up instead of the moon. The lateness was usually due to the fact that we had to ford the big slough near the Ralph Hall farm. We had breakfast and then went immediately to our schools and taught all day.
What are some of your most vivid recollections or impressions of the very early days here?
In answering the previous questions I have injected some of my most vivid recollections of the early days here. As these were the days of my childhood and youth my memory is filled with the happiest recollections and I can truthfully say the happiest moments of my life were spent in this environment and atmosphere. No matter where I wander in the future these memories will always stay with me. No one ever had a happier childhood and girlhood and I am truly thankful for the privilege of having lived in this fine community so many years of my life.
How much land did the average farmer work during the first years?
Each farmer was entitled to 480 acres of land if he wished that much- pre-emption homestead and tree claim, each 160 acres. Many availed themselves of that privilege and farmed a portion of each piece, as the law required it in order to hold it but no one farmed on a large scale. They did not have the facilities for doing so.
Has Carrington become a larger, more beautiful and more important town than you had reason to believe it would in those early days of 45 years ago?
No. If we are optimists we are always wishing and hoping for better things. Carrington's growth and development has been satisfactory but slow. Think it was the hope of the pioneers to make this town a real metropolis.
What, in your estimation, have been the main influences in giving Carrington its personality?
The quality of its citizens and its high moral standards. Always supporting and standing back of every uplifting movement; not only in our own community and state but nationally as well; not only responding to requests made of us in times of stress and strain, but more than that "going over the top". That is a good record for any town. "By our deeds we are known." Another great influence in giving Carrington its personality is the fact that we believe the future history of America will be shaped in a large measure by the character of the homes. If we continue to be a home-loving people we shall have the strength that comes only from a virile family life where the influence is healthful and inspiring, teaching responsibility, usefulness, thrift, and modern demands for pleasure, all necessary to any people that hope to develop a lasting civilization.
Would people, raised amid present luxuries, go back to the sacrifices of men and women of 50 years ago who first settled new countries?
No, we are either progressive or dead. It seems to be humanly natural for us to want to live as comfortably and easily as possible. Great as has been the improvement in living conditions yet there are still greater improvements coming. Bring them on!
What do you think has been the greatest advancement for human comfort or well-being since 1882 when Carrington was born and when electricity in any form was almost unknown and unused, the auto had not been dreamed of, radio and wireless had not been thought of, sanitary and health conditions were given little thought- in fact, nearly all the present day luxuries and necessities were yet to be born?
This question answers itself. The home with all the modern appliances electricity affords- frigidaire, electric washers, ironers, kitchen ranges, grills, toasters, curling irons, reduce labor I should say 75% . The improvements in sanitary and health conditions by replacing the "Saturday night bath", taken in the wash tub in the kitchen where one hopped out and another hopped in, by running water and the modern bath which the humblest home now supports. The radio and automobile have both been a Godsend to people living in the rural districts, particularly women and children.
A few years ago a check-up on patients in the insane hospital at Jamestown showed that a large proportion of the inmates came from the rural districts, pent-up so many months with no contact with the outside world. Their lives were so gray and monotonous and many couldn't stand up under such conditions and broke down mentally. The automobile and radio have helped this condition. The family can be loaded in the automobile and travel far from the confines of the home in one day and back; coming home with new hope, courage and inspiration inspired by change of scenes. Driving through the country one sees on the humblest cottage a radio attachment. This, to my mind, is the greatest boon yet to be offered to the rural districts. The radio is a great educator, best sermons, lectures, latest press news, and last but not least, the greatest football games and World Series reported.
Walter Danrosch, until recently director of the New York Symphony Orchestra, said, he "was thrilled with thought that his audience was now composed of millions instead of a few thousand, due to radio."
Did the building of the Soo railroad through here in the '90's stimulate the growth of Carrington?
Yes, Carrington immediately began to grow when a competitive railroad was built through here.
What was the longest drive by team that Dr. MacKenzie was ever called upon to take?
It was not unusual for Dr. MacKenzie to make 40 or 50 mile drives by team.
Do you recall some of his thrilling experiences in making early day calls?
Dr. MacKenzie always reminded me of old Dr. MacClure in "The Bonnie Briar Bush" by Ian MacLarin in his long drives and ministrations to his patients in the rural districts. Doctor had some close calls and narrow escapes from freezing. One particular outstanding instance was in about 1898, I think. One Thanksgiving day he and Dr. MacLachlan were called out to see James Hamilton about five miles north of town, who was lying critically ill with typhoid fever. One of the worst blizzards of the season developed that day and while only five miles from town they were forced to remain three days until the storm subsided and all the neighbors helped to make a new trail. The old one had entirely disappeared. There were no telephones or communication and much concern was felt about their safety. A searching party was about to be organized when they appeared. Many times has he come home with frozen fingers, toes and nose; and icicles all around his face. Remember one time he came in and it took me almost five minutes to unfasten the safety pins that dear old Granma Nicholson had pinned around his head as a protection. There were many sad, also amusing incidents, in these young doctors' lives. Remember doctor getting a call one night in mid-winter from a farmer way down in the Hawk's Nest Hills saying, "Doctor, come quick! I ain't no doctor, I don't know, but I tank my wife he be damned bad sick."
Are winter blizzards today as severe as in the first few winters?
No, the planting of trees and civilization seems to have tempered the winds. Think that is the history of all prairie countries.
Was the work and sacrifice of the pioneers' worthwhile?
Yes, most emphatically. It was a great character developer. In the first place they came in contact with people from all over the globe, a genial, hospitable and generous people, alive to enterprise and ready to do their part in building this community. History and integrity constituted the parallels between which they moved.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 194