After the War

The financial depression that followed the Civil War was keenly felt by the residents of North Sauk County, but not so keenly as elsewhere in the land. At that time one of the leading industries in the State was the growing of hops, an industry that had its early beginnings in the town of Winfield, on the farm now owned by Will Skinner. There, in the spring of 1852,were planted the first hop roots to sprout in Sauk County, and some say, in the State of Wisconsin. Down through the years, until 1867, hop raising grew in importance; and in that year the price soared so high that every grocer began to dream of the crop of 1868 as the one out of which he would reap a fortune and retire.

Mr Jesse Cottington, propagator of the hop industry in the State of Wisconsin, was an Englishman, born in Sussex county, March 24, 1816, where his boyhood and youth were spent, and was a son of Robert and Sarah (Woodshell) Cottington. At the age of eighteen, Jesse married Rebecca Forward, and in 1841 he brought his family to America. He had been raised among the famous hop gardens near London, and upon coming to this country, settled near Waterville, New York, cultivating for seven years the hop yard of Mr. Palmer, now known as the propagator of the Palmer Seedling, which gained considerable popularity during the hop period. In 1851 Mr. Cottington migrated to Sauk County, spending the early part of the winter on a farm in the town of Westfield; then, in February, 1852, he took possession of the farm now owned by Mr. Skinner, where he established permanent residence. That spring Mr. Cottington had a half acre's planting of roots shipped to him from the Palmer yards, via Milwaukee, and with his own team and a hand made wagon, his son, the late Amos Cottington of recent memory, drove to Milwaukee and brought the roots to his father's Winfield farm.

In 1853 Cottingtons harvested the first hop crop. They built a hopkiln of logs, size 12 by 12 feet, minus windows and without a stove to heat it. But by burning a pit of charcoal, fuel was procured with which the hops could be dried. As they had no press, the first picking was stamped into a sack, the first crop yielding only 150 pounds. Mr Cottington found the soil here better adapted to the growth of hops than the soil of the East, and the hops grown here were of a choicer variety than those grown either in the gardens of England or in the Palmer yards. Mr. Cottingtom marketed his first crop at Columbus, Columbia Co., Wis in the fall of 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Cottington, with the bag of hops, accompanied Mrs. Van Camp, who had to go thither on business and was glad to have them as company. Her conveyance was one horse and a wagon. They received thirty cents per pound for their hops. So the net receipts for Sauk County's first crop of hops were forty-five dollars in gold. Earlier in that season Harvey Canfield of Baraboo, through Mr. Cottington, sent east for some roots, and in the same box, the latter had enough shipped him to complete his yards. Through the Palmer yards Mr. Cottington supplied roots to many of his neighbors, and thus was begun an industry that practically revolutionized agricultural interests in the state.

The price of hops rose steadily from the very first, until the crash of 1868. To the grower a yard of hops meant security and comforts. It was the stability of the price that enabled the pioneers to enjoy the comforts that came to them during the early years, that enabled them to build big frame houses, have fine clothes, pay for their farms, and accumulate quantities of money, to pass along to posterity. Yet to the generation of our parents hop picking is not of pleasant memory. It was hard work.

The hop crash of 1868 was brought about in this wise [way]: Owing to the destruction of the crop in the State of New York, by the hop louse, (Aphides) in the years of 1865, '66, and '67, the cultivation of the hop in and around Reedsburg (says the Sketch Book) became a perfect mania. All other branches of agriculture became entirely neglected owing to the very high price of hops, caused by the failure of the crop in some eastern states for a series of years. It was no uncommon thing in 1866 or 1867 for a person, without much capital, to purchase a farm for three or four thousand dollars, having four or five acres of hops on it, and from one year's crop, pay for the farm and have a thousand dollars left over. The result of this state of affairs was that during the years 1865, '66 and '67, the expenses of living in Reesburg were greater than living in Milwaukee or Chicago. Common garden vegetables, butter and provisions generally, having to be carted into the place against the common laws of trade. The result of such an unnatural state of affairs could be nothing but a general financial crash. In 1868 that crash came.

After it was over, it was very plain to the hop growers how it could have been averted. Lack of due caution and foresightedness on the part of the growers and merchants was responsible for the whole unfortunate situation. Owing to the failure of the crop in the east, the price raised from the steady average of twenty cents to a fluctuating price ranging from forty-five to sixty cents per pound, attaining the latter figure in 1867.

Many farmers in and around Reedsburg realized a net profit of three thousand dollars from their crop. It was a common occurrence to see a farmer come into the store and throw down a thousand dollar bill and ask for change, with the same nonchalance, as in ordinary times is done with a ten dollar bill. Any man's credit was undoubted at the business houses, if he had three or four acres of hops. Thus it was in the year 1867 two million dollars were scattered in and around Reedsburg.

Everything was very lovely, continues the Sketch Book, and the anticipations of the people ran high for the year 1868. Nice houses were planned; fine carriages were bought, and a hundred magnificent "castles in the air" aroused in the inaginations of the people. It appeared the almost universal desire of the people was to have one more crop, make their fortunes, and retire. Fifty cents was the coveted price, and anyone who intimated that a lower price might prevail, was not tolerated for a moment. Some of the Reedsburg hop dealers visited New York and other eastern cities, in July 1868, and after a careful review of the situation, on their return, advised caution on the part of merchants and growers, but so completely had the "wish been father to the thought" that the insane belief in permanent high prices had so bewitched the minds of the people, that they would listen to no advice or words of caution, but at once raised the clamor that the hop dealers were in league with outside purchasers and brewers, to keep them out of the market for the purposes of forcing down the prices. This notion had so long taken possession of the minds of the people, that at Logansville, indignation meets were held, and it was currently reported in Reedsburg, that said dealer who had given that hops might that year go down as low as twenty cents per pound, if they put in an appearance in Loganville, would get the unkindly attention of the mob.

The State of Wisconsin harvested and sold 100,000 bales of hops that year, at a price that ranged from four and one-half to five cents per pound, in contrast to the sixty cents of the previous year. It is said that Sauk County lost between two and three million dollars on that year's hop crop; many estimate it in all its ramifications at a much higher figure. Reedsburg and the surrounding country tributary to it, from having previous years occupied the very top most pinnacle of success and prosperity, was at once precipitated into the midnight darkness of financial distress and bankruptcy.

From that time dates the permanent prosperity of the village. It is said that of all the merchants in Reedsburg, only Samuel Ramsey and J.V. Kelsey survived the crash without being severely crippled financially. After the crash, the farmers who did not lose their property because of it, set about to re-establish their fortunes. Hop growing continued with the stability of price it had known during the '50s and the Civil War, until 1866. Many of them grew well-to-do; and the new settlers who bought out the bankrupt growers paid for their farms; and the general prosperity ensued.

The Coming of the Railroad

Col. S.V.R. Ableman, most active, perhaps, of all men of the Upper Baraboo Valley, in his efforts to get a railroad through the valley, was a pioneer of Excelsior, father of the city of Ableman. The great need of a road had been long felt. Strong encouragements had been given out at Milwaukee, when negotiations for a railroad right-of-way were first begun by the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company, which only ended in disappointments when that company chose another route further north. At an early date Col. Ableman had settled at the "Narrows" thinking that it was a point through which a railroad must pass some day. He was greatly disappointed with the decision of the Milwaukee and St. Paul road, and thenceforth looked to Chicago as the point from which the road must eventually emanate. In this belief he never lost faith. His ready and able pen often called the attention of the capitalists to this route. He made stirring appeals through the "Baraboo Republic" during the fall and winter of 1869-'70, to the people of the Upper Baraboo Valley. The result of these appeals was a meeting favorable to the project in December, 1869, at the Court House. So earnest were the people that, in spite of inclement weather then prevailing, the court-room was filled to overflowing.

Col. Ableman, who was a general favorite of the crowd, was elected chairman of the meeting without a dissenting voice and upon taking the chair, made an able speech, showing the necessity and feasibility of having a railroad through the valley, claiming that if the people put themselves in the right position, they might lasso the first locomotive that turned westward from Chicago. The people were so well convinced that Col. Ableman, Terrell Thomas, Colonel Strong (who was another ardent supporter of the project), T.D. Lang and Joseph Mackey were appointed a committee to see to the drafting and obtaining a charter. The Colonel was made chairman of the committee, and soon after this he called a meeting of the said committee at his residence, which was long afterwards known as the Charter House, where the charter was drawn for the Baraboo Air Line Railroad. This was sanctioned by the Legislature March 8, 1870.

The charter officers of the raod were: Col. S.V.R. Ableman, John B. Dwinnell, John F. Smith, Joseph Mackey, Charles W. Williams, T.D. Lang, B.F. Mills, Jonas Naracong, C.D. Huff, Joseph F. Sanford, Moses Young. Terrell Thomas, Col. R.M. Strong.

The railroad was then built, and on the first day of January, 1872, the first train ran between Chicago and Reedsburg. The Air Line Railroad operated for some time independent of any other concern, but it was finally consolidated with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, which soon came into full control. Since first built, the roadbed has been relocated so that today it is one of the finest stretches of railroad in this section of the country.

In 1875 E.F. Seaver was the depot agent. Since then the following persons have served in that capacity: Frank Strong, James M. Stewart and Frank C. Willey. Mr. Willey, the present agent, has served in that capacity since1889.

When the road was first built the building now used as a freight depot was erected on the site of the present passenger depot, and served as such until 1905. That old depot, at a very early date, became too small to accommodate the increasing needs of the growing village; but (thanks to the wise forbearance of Mr. Willey) it was not repaired, and in 1905 Mr. Willey made application for the new depot; the application was given strict attention, and work on the construction of the present one began. The old one was moved from its original site that season (1905), and located just west of where it now stands, (if it now stood there it would be squarely in Park Street, just south of the tracks), where it remained until South Park Street was opened some years later. The new depot was hastily erected on the old site, the foundation of which was built on a bed of thirty feet piles which were driven into the quicksand. It was a fine structure for its day, and still remains; and is the best depot within a radius of many miles. It was erected at a cost od $30,000, and was opened for public service in February, 1906. During the period of its construction the old one, re-located, was continued as the official depot.

The railroad is now one of the main lines running from Chicago to Minneapolis and St. Paul. The train service is good, trains running at convenient intervals for morning and evening transportation to the nearby villages and towns.

Alexander P. Ellinwood, the West Side and the Fair Grounds

Alexander P. Ellinwood, one of the most prominent characters in the pioneer history of Reedsburg, was early instilled with the desire to improve the swamp and lowlands west of the river, and after his return from service, honorable and heroic during the Civil War, began to make definite plans for the acquisition of a tract of land in that region. The land lying due west of the river was originally entered by David C. Reed, but was soon held by Alfred Mott, who came into possession also of land east of the stream. That east of the river was early laid out and platted as Mott's First Addition, while that lying west of the river was called Mott's Second Addition, but no improvements were made, and it was considered of little or no value. But Mr. Ellinwood thought otherwise, and in 1871 purchased two acres of this second addition, which was afterward called "Ellinwood's Frog Pond". Immediately he went to work and within a few weeks had had it in very presentable condition. All that remained to do was to convince some one of the fact!

A part of the property lying west of Babb's Creek being level, in 1873 Mr. Ellinwood decided to establish a fair for Reedsburg, and began immediately the improvement of a fairground tract. During the summer of 1874 a race track was completed, which for many years was considered one of the best in this section of the country. On October 6, 7, 8 of that year the first fair was held, and succeeded beyond the highest expectation of any one. From then on Ellinwood Fairs were annual events, and grew in attraction until it was one of the best attended events in the state. The age of racing horses brought many famous trotters, pacers, etc, to the town and the tremendous success of Alexander P. Ellinwood and his West Side adventure was no longer an uncertainty.

Mr. Ellinwood's wife, who was an enthusiastic supporter of the fair project and superintended the halls for many years, was formerly Miss Hannah Cottington, daughter of Jesse Cottington of Winfield.

Reedsburg Milling Company

The history of the Reedsburg Milling, began with the coming of David C. Reed and his men to the village site, but theirs was a saw mill, and its history has been covered down to the destruction of the dam in 1851. Shortly after that disastrous event the Mackey Brothers came in possession of the mill property, rebuilt the dam and added a grist mill to the power equipment to supply flour to the settlers of Reedsburg. The Mackey mill was burned in 1861 with several thousand bushels of wheat. The proprietors immediately began to erect a new mill on the west side of the river, and a third dam was put in, which was said to have been the one torn out in 1925, when the present concrete structure was put in.

The Mackey Brothers sold their interests in the 1880s to Mr. J.G. Heaton, who operated it for a number of years. He in turn sold it to Mr. Christenson and Mr. Stewart, and from them it passed to the Appleton WoolenMill Company, who now have full interest in the water power.

The Reedsburg Farmers Company

The Reedsburg Farmers Company, now occupying the warehouses of the late Harris and Hosler firm, came into existence in 1912, when it was incorporated, under date of March 1. On August 1, following, they came into possession of the property they now occupy. The firm is a stock company, and the shares are held by the farmers of the community.

William Stolte, Sr.

This man was one of the most prominent businessmen of his time in the city of Reedsburg, and his name is intimately associated with its civic, educational and religious life for a period of nearly fifty years. His first Reedsburg adventure was a partnership with D. Schweke in the mercantile business, which continued until1969 when his associate died. Mr. Stolte continued the buiness until 1887. He built the hotel later known as the Hotel Stolte (now Hotel Huntley) after the destruction of the Mansion House by fire, on the site of that ancient hostelry. His son Edwrad G. Stolte managed it until his death in 1914.

Mrs. Mary Rudd

This woman, of late lamented memory, was one of the most active women of her day in Reedsburg, and during the last twenty-five years of her life, was the most conspicuous figure in local finance. She was born Dec. 6, 1848, at Janesville, Wis., and married David B. Rudd Nov. 4, 1884. Mr. Rudd was one of the earliest settlers in Reedsburg, and one of the founders of the Reedsbutg Bank. He died in 1896 and his wife succeeded in his interests, and at her death a few years ago the Rudd estate passed to her adopted niece and ward, Miss Frieda Meyer, now Mrs. E.G. Neshen. The Rudd estate was valued at more than $500,000.00, and was the largest ever probated in Sauk County.

The First Telephone

The first telephone in Reedsburg and vacinity was installed in the office of the late Dr. Frank D. Hulbert, in 1887. "With a vision and foresight that makes one sometimes wonder, E.G. Stolte launched the telephone business in connection with the Stolte Hotel" reads an article of the Free Press. "At first there was but a small exchange operated from the office of the hotel and only twenty-five businessmen dared venture to try the convenience. Edgar C. Fish of Winfield had the first rural telephone.

Automobiles

The first automobile was owned by Dr. D.C. Rood.

Aeroplanes

The first aeroplane in all Sauk County was purchased by Mr. Cecil E. Hess in 1928. Mr. Hess erected the present hanger at the Reedsburg Airport, and it houses his plane.

Electricity

The first electricity distributed in the city of Reedsburg, was from the private plant of Mr. J.G. Heaton, which was installed in the grist mill in 1889. This pioneer plant was the first in Sauk County and one of the earliest in the state. Mr. Heaton installed poles on the north side of Main Street, as far east as the corner of Main and Locust Streets, and the business houses on either side of the street were wired and received current from the Heaton plant. Mr. Heaton continued his plant until 1893, when the city installed one in the presentpowerhouse. The city poles were set in the alleys, and for the next year Charles Clark was employed to wire the houses. The first wired from the city was one then being erected by Mr. Martin Foley, now of the Nursery Company of Baraboo, on North Pine Street. Previous to this, one had been wired from the Heaton plant on the West Side.

After a year's employment with the city, Mr. Clark was engaged independently in wiring houses, and for many years was the chief electrician of the city. In connection with the electrical business we would mention Charles Stevens, for fifteen years city electrician; and Mr. Ed Bohn for the past several years electrical superintendent.

Reedsburg Canning Company

The Reedsburg Canning Company was organized as a local stock company about 1903, and the plant was built at that time. This corporation operated two years, and the plant was then sold to the Lange Canning Company of Eau Claire, Wis., which sent John Andrews here to run it. Mr. Andrews managed it until his death in 1924. Early in the company's history Mr. James Sedgewick became field manager, and served as such until the end of the 1927 season, when Will H. Skinner took over that end of the business. Cash Rose, as factory superintendent, and George Sparks, engineer, have been connected to the organization practically from the starting. For several years the office was under the direct supervision of J.G. Young, but since 1926 Mrs. Charles Clark has been chief bookkeeper.

In April, 1924, the Lange Company turned the factory over to the present management, which has operated it since that date. The present officers are as follows: C.A. Clark, President; H.L. Maxham, Vice-President; James A. Stone, Secretary; Ed. Sedgewick, Treasurer; and T.C. Ninman, who, with the foregoing officers, constitutes the Board of Directors.

Collins Monument Works

One of the older business establishments in the city is the Moument Works of Sanford A. Collins. In 1884 he bought out John S. Hall, who had a small business in this city, continued it until 1887, when he sold his up-town location and moved to the West Side, where he built his present work, which are significant of his success in the business.

Smith's Garage

This garage, of which Edward W. Smith is proprietor, came into existence on Jan. 1, 1927, when Mr. Smith opened the establishment. It was formerly owned by Ed. Thom, and was bought of him in October, 1925. Mr. Smith has the Nash, Reo and Chandler Agencies, making a specialty in the Nash business. Mr. Smith completely remodeled the interior of the garage in 1928, and now has a modern, artistic show room. While Mr. Smith attends exclusively to the sales end of the business, Henry Schultz conducts a general repair shop opening on Vine Street.

Brittingham and Hixon Lumber Company

One of the older businesses in the city of Reedsburg is the Brittingham and Hixon Lumber Company. It bought out the Stine, Church and Young Company in 1906, and under the new managership N.J. Brown became manager. He was followed by Arthur Skinner, who served as manager until 1924. He was succeeded by Clarence Anderson, and Mr. Anderson in turn by Dan. A. Woodson, in 1925, who is at the head of the business at the present time. Of the old employees may be mentioned Mont. Kelley, here since 1908; William Ost, here since a similar date; Hubert Krug, for the past ten years.

The Congregationalists

The second religous institution in Reedsburg was the Congregational Church, organized in the village schoolhouse, February 8, 1851, the Rev. Warren Cochran and Rev. J.S. Saxby officiating. The early members were J.S. Strong and wife, parents of the Colonel. J.S. Saxby and his wife and daughter, Isaac W. and Russell Morley and their wives, N. Cornish and wife and three others whose names are not at hand. Within a short time Rev. and Mrs. S.A. Dwinnell and three others joined, so the early membership consisted of twenty-two individuals.

In 1855 a church edifice 32 feet long and 50 feet was erected at a cost of $1,600, on the corner of Third and Pine Streets, the present location of the Main Baker residence.The structure was built by Abram West and Volney Spink, was dedicated on the 18th of October, 1855. Rev. Saxby was minister until January, 1852, when Rev. S.A. Dwinnell was installed.

This gentleman was a distinguished scholar, and for sixteen years filled the pulpit with tireless energy, establishing missions throughout the Upper Baraboo Valley, preaching in private homes, schoolhouses, public buildings, and became one of the most widely known clergymen of the state at that time. He wrote extensively on the pioneer days in Walworth County, Baraboo, and Reedsburg, and contributed to books on prayers, and engaged in dozens of other activities that showed him to be a remarkable man. His wife was a benevolent woman, and highly esteemed during her long residence in Reedsburg. In 1868, Mr. Dwinnell was obliged to quit the pulpit because of ill health, but continued to reside in Reedsburg.

He was followed in the pastorate by Rev. Warren Cochran, Rev. H. H. Hinman, Rev. M. Bennett, Rev. H. Hinkley, Rev. W. Mooney and others. During the 1880's the Congregational Church was discontinued, and the church building finally moved away.