THE BEGINNING — STATISTICAL REVIEW OF EARLY SCHOOLS — REPORT FOR 1916 — SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION — FIRST SCHOOLS — TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION — NORMAL INSTITUTES — COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS — HISTORY OF THE WALDORF LUTHERAN COLLEGE — NEWSPAPER HISTORY — THE WINNEBAGO PRESS — NORTHERN IOWA GAZETTE — WINNEBAGO SUMMIT — THE WINNEBAGO CHIEF — WINNEBAGO WEEKLY REVIEW — THE INDEPENDENT — THE NORTH STAR — THE LAKE MILLS GRAPHIC — THE INDEPENDENT HERALD — WINNEBAGO REPUBLICAN — BUFFALO CENTER TRIBUNE — THOMPSON COURIER — RAKE REGISTER.

The factors which have made rapid educational progress possible in Winnebago County are many.  From the beginning of schools until the present year new ideas have been incorporated into the public school system until now Winnebago County may boast of one of the most efficient educational systems in the state.  Before treating the details of the growth of schools here in this county it may be well to glance backward to the beginning of education in the state and territory, many years before Winnebago County became a civil division.

THE BEGINNING

Gov. Robert Lucas, in his message to the First Legislative Assembly of Iowa Territory, which convened at Burlington, November 12, 1838, said in reference to schools:

“The 12th section of the Act of Congress establishing our territory, declares ‘that the citizens of Iowa shall enjoy all the rights, privileges and immunities heretofore granted and secured to the Territory of Wisconsin and its inhabitants.’  This extends to us all the rights, privileges and immunities specified in the ordinance of Congress on the 13th of July, 1787.

“The third article of this ordinance declares ‘that religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and all means of education shall be forever encouraged.’

“Congress, to carry out this declaration, has granted one section of land in each township to the inhabitants of such township for the purpose of schools therein.

“There is no object to which I wish to call your attention more emphatically than the subject of establishing, at the commencement of our political existence, a well digested system of common schools.”

The assembly began the task of formulating and providing for an adequate system of public schools, and enacted a law providing for the formation of districts, the establishment of schools, and authorized the voters of each district, when lawfully assembled, to levy and collect the necessary taxes “either in cash or good, merchantable property at cash prices, upon the inhabitants of their respective districts, not exceeding one-half percentum [sic], nor amounting to more than $10 on any one person; to do all and everything necessary to the establishment and support of schools within the same.”

The Second Legislative Assembly, on January 16, 1840, enacted a much more comprehensive law to establish a system of common schools—a law containing many excellent features.  Its provisions were, however, in advance of the public sentiment upon education, making ample provisions, as it did, for free public schools.  It has been claimed by students of the subject that the people of Iowa were not quite ready for such a law.

In the United States Census Report for 1840, very few schools, either public or private, were reported.  One academy in Scott County, with twenty-five scholars, and in the state sixty-three primary and common schools, with 1,500 scholars, being the whole number reported.

The first section of the act of 1839, for the establishment of common schools, provided “that there shall be established a common school, or schools, in each of the counties of this territory, which shall be open and free to every class of white citizens between the ages of five and twenty-five years.”  The second section provided “that the county board shall from time to time form such districts in their respective counties, whenever a petition may be presented for that purpose by a majority of the voters resident within such contemplated district.”  These districts were governed by a board of three trustees, whose duties were to examine and employ teachers, superintend the schools, and collect and disburse the taxes voted by the electors for school purposes.

Among earlier enactments of the Territorial Legislature were those requiring that each district maintain at least three months of school each year, and that the expenses for the same were to be raised by taxes levied upon the property of said district.  Among later enactments was that providing for a county school tax, to be levied to pay teachers, and that whatever additional sum should be required for this purpose should be assessed upon the parents of the scholars in proportion to the length of time sent.  The rate bill system was thus adopted near the close of the territorial period.

When Iowa was admitted into the Union as a state, on December 28, 1846, it had a population of 100,000, a school population of 20,000 and had about 400 organized school districts.  From this time the number of districts increased, reaching 1,000 in 1849 and 1,200 in 1850.  In 1857 the number of organized districts had increased to 3,265.  Maturin D. Fisher, then superintendent of public instruction, in his report of November, 1857, urged the revision of the school law and a reduction in the number of school districts.

The Seventh General Assembly again took up the subject of revision of the schools laws, and on March 12, 1858, passed “An Act for the Public Instruction of Iowa,” the first section of which provided that “each civil township in the several counties of the state, is hereby declared a school district for all the purposes of this act, the boundaries of said township being the boundaries of said school district, and every township hereafter laid out and organized, a school district ; and each district as at present organized shall become a subdistrict [sic] for the purpose hereinafter provided:  Provided, that each incorporated city or town, including the territory annexed thereto for school purposes, and which contain not less than 1,000 inhabitants, shall be and is hereby created a school district.”  This law took effect March 20, 1858, and reduced the number of districts from about 3,500 to less than 900.

In December, 1858, a law was enacted providing that any city or incorporated town, including the territory annexed thereto for school purposes, might constitute a school district by vote of the majority of the electors residing in the territory of such contemplated district.  In 1860 the provisions of this act were extended to unincorporated towns and villages containing not less than 300 inhabitants.

By an act passed April 3, 1866, this privilege was further extended to any city or sub-district containing not less than 200 inhabitants, and comprising territory contiguous thereto.  It soon became evident that by this amendment a serious innovation would be made in the district township system, by the formation of independent districts in the more thickly populated and wealthier portions of the townships.  The amendment was repealed by the session of the following General Assembly.

The township system met the approval of every state superintendent, while the subdistrict [sic] system was strenuously opposed.  A. S. Kissell in a report dated January 1, 1872, said:  “In this system every township becomes a school district and all subdistrict [sic] boundaries are abandoned; and if this plan were carried into effect in this state it would allow no other school divisions than those of the independent and township districts.

“The most experienced educators of the country have advocated this system.  Among these are such men as Horace Mann, United States Commissioner Barnard, Ex-Governor Boutwell, Dr. Newton Bateman of Illinois, Dr. Gregory, late superintendent of Michigan, and the county and state superintendents of one-third of the states in the Union.  The arguments advanced by many of these experienced school men are unanswerable.  Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have tested the system practically for several years; it is pronounced by these states as a success, and this successful experiment of three or four years should have greater weight with us in this young and growing commonwealth than any theoretical arguments that could be advanced.”

Notwithstanding the efforts and arguments in favor of the township system, and the conviction, on the part of those who had made a special study of the subject, that it would prove disastrous in its results, the General Assembly, which convened January 8, 1872, enacted a law providing for the formation of independent districts, from the subdistricts [sic] of a district township.

STATISTICAL REVIEW

In 1866 there were seven school houses in the county of Winnebago, their value reported as being $4,840.  There were, however, eight schools in the county, employing nine teachers, who received an average weekly compensation of $9.75 for the males and $5.11 for the females, aggregating for the year, $1,151.75.  The number of persons of school age, that is between the ages of five and twenty-one, was 328; the number of pupils enrolled in the schools was 170; average attendance, 99.  The average cost of tuition, per week, for each pupil, was twenty-one cents in the summer and thirty-eight cents in the winter.  The apparatus used by the schools was valued at $146.

In 1867 there were ten school houses in the county, valued at $9,808.  There were 318 persons of school age, 216 enrolled and an average tendance [sic] of 155.  There were thirteen teachers employed, who received average compensation per week of $9.60 for the males and $5.94 for the females.

By 1870 the schools made a much better showing, as the following table will prove: 

The educational interests of the county continued to improve, new schools were formed and teachers became better qualified for their tasks.  In 1877 there was a marked increase in the number of schools and enrolled scholars.  In the report of schools for 1877, W. A. Chapman, county superintendent, referred to educational matters as follows:

“The schools of this county are steadily improving, both as to numbers and efficiency.  The teachers are becoming convinced of the necessity of making some special preparation for the work in which they are engaged.  I find the Normal Institute to be one of the most efficient means for the elevation of the standard of education among our common school teachers.  The institutes held in this county have been a decided success.  I have taken pains to employ only such conductors and teachers as were fully up to the requirements of the times.  The institute program coming to hand early, gave our teachers a better chance to prepare for the work of the normal and most of them did make some use of it.  Something ought to be done to secure a better attendance at our schools.  I have made it a point to visit each school, and advise, counsel and encourage the teachers as occasion might direct.”  From the report of the superintendent for 1881 the following table is taken:

The substantial growth of the schools of Winnebago County since 1881 can be presented in no better manner than by the statistics for the year 1916, compiled from the annual report of the county superintendent of schools.  The following tables do not include the magnificent and capacious high school building erected in Forest City in 1916, at a cost of $80,000, for which sum bonds were issued, nor the $28,000 building at Thompson, occupied by the schools in January, 1916.

INDEPENDENT CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES

 
SCHOOL TOWNSHIPS

RURAL INDEPENDENT DISTRICTS

The average monthly salary of the male teachers in the county is $106.46 and the average for the females is $53.60.  The former figure, however, includes salaries of superintendents, etc.

SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

Although Winnebago County has not taken up the question of school consolidation to a great extent, actual features of consolidation are existent in the county and it is a safe prediction that before many years have passed the system will be almost generally adopted.  Buffalo Center consolidated in the year 1896.  Forest City, Lake Mills, Leland and Thompson districts all have hack transportation for pupils living in the country, but are not considered organized consolidated districts; Buffalo Center is alone in this respect.

Through the consolidated system of teaching every child of school age in the district, whether living in the town or in the country within a range of miles, is carried to school each morning in closed hacks which take a certain route.  In the evening, after school hours, the pupils are returned to their homes.  This is repeated each school day of the year.  The pupil also has the advantage of a graded school education, which he did not have when he attended the crossroads country school house.  He is given a variety of courses, many of them optional, and after completing the eighth grade is ready for the high school branches without extra preparation.  The pupil also has the advantage of social life, and the country pupil meets his city brothers upon an even plane and derives the same benefits from the educational facilities provided by the district and county.

FIRST SCHOOLS

The first school in Forest City was taught by Miss Sarah Beadle in 1858, is a house built by Nathan Jeffords.  A large and substantial building was constructed in 1870.

The first school house in Center Township was built in the winter of 1859-60 in the northeast part of Lake Mills and the first school was taught in 1860 by E. D. Hinman.  A two-story school building was erected in Lake Mills about 1869, at a cost of $1000.  This building was burned to the ground in 1873.  In the next year a new school house was constructed, costing $2000.  Some of the early teachers of the Lake Mills schools were:  Mrs. Fannie Hinman, Emily Skinner, Mrs. Crapper, W. A. Chapman, E. F. Thompson, Mrs. E. F. Thompson and Scott Toye.

The first school in Linden Township was taught by H. Mattison.  The first school in Mount Valley Township was taught by Amelia Steadman in the house of Isaac Mercer.  The first school house in Newton Township was constructed in 1871 on Section 36.  The first school building in Norway Township was built in 1859.  It was a frame building on Section 15.  Here Mrs. Nellie Hinman taught the first school in the winter of 1859-60.  In 1868 this house was torn down and a new one erected.

TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION

The first to introduce the organization of a county teachers' association to the teachers of the county was Martin Cooper, county superintendent, in 1870.  At an institute held in the fall of that year it was determined to meet for the purpose of organizing a teachers' association in the spring of the following year.  This meeting, however, was never held and not before ten years had passed was there an organization of this kind.  In the fall of 1881 at an institute held in Forest City the teachers resolved to hold a meeting in the spring of 1882, to effect the organization of an association.  The meeting was held at Forest City, Supt. A. N. Brones, chairman.  Various ideas on school methods were introduced and discussed and then the association adjourned to meet at Forest City March 30, 1883.

NORMAL INSTITUTES

The Fifteenth General Assembly enacted a law March 19. 1874, to establish normal institutes which, reads as follows:

“See. 1769.  The county superintendent shall hold annually a normal institute for the instruction of teachers, and those who may desire to teach, and with the concurrence of the superintendent of public instruction, procure such assistance as may be necessary to conduct the same, at such times as the schools of the county are generally closed.
To defray the expenses of said institute, he shall require the payment of $1 registration fee for each person attending the normal institute, etc.”

The first institute ever held in the county convened at the court house in Forest City in the fall of 1869, about five years before the above law was enacted.  These institutes have largely been abandoned at this day, owing to the superior facilities obtainable at the various normal schools in the state, and at the colleges and universities.

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS

In the spring of 1858 the office of county superintendent of schools was created and the first election held in April.  Following are the names of those who have held this office, with the dates of their incumbency:  C. W. Scott, 1858; B. F. Denslow, 1859; Martin Bumgardner, 1861; August Oulman, 1863; C. A. Stedman, 1865; Martin Cooper, 1869; A. L. Shay, 1871; W. W. Olmstead, 1873; W. A. Chapman, 1875; A. N. Brones, 1879; George A. Franklin, 1885; W. H. May, 1887; W. A. Chapman, 1889; L. C. Brown, 1893; K. N. Knudson, 1889; L. C. Brown, 1903; and at the beginning of the year 1917 the office was held by Jessie M. Parker.

WALDORF LUTHERAN COLLEGE

Waldorf Lutheran College, located in Forest City, Iowa, was founded on July 16, 1903.  The institution owes its existence principally to the efforts of Rev. C. S. Salveson, at that time pastor of the United Lutheran Congregation in Forest City.  Reverend Salveson purchased the college building for $18,000, upon the condition that an academy be established and maintained and, with this purpose in view, he called together the neighboring pastors and congregations in order to discuss the question of founding a Lutheran school.   The proper steps of organization were taken and the Waldorf Lutheran College Association formed.  Articles of incorporation were filed at the county recorder's office on September 5, 1903, and were signed by the following:  C. S. Salveson, N. N. Johnson, N. C. Brun, 0. G. Belshein, L. A. Jensen, Oliver Gorden, N. E. Boe, L. W. Boe, William Williams, L. I. Aasgaard, L. O. Fossum, J. C. Thompson, P. A. Anderson and L. A. Hauge.  The articles stated in part that the “general object shall be to maintain, operate and conduct a normal school and academy or college, controlled by members of the Norwegian United Lutheran Church of America.”  The building purchased was transferred by deed to the Association and the citizens of Forest City subscribed the sum of $6,000 to assist in the opening of the school.  Actual school work began September 23, 1903, with five teachers and thirteen students.  The formal dedication of the building for school purposes took place on October 11th; this day has since been known and observed as Foundation Day.  In 1911 the college erected a dormitory for boys adjoining the main building, which cost $35,000.

Reverend Salveson was the first president of this institution and continued as such until the spring of the first year, when Rev. L. W. Boe took the position, having been previously elected.  Reverend Boe was the incumbent until January, 1915, or until Rev. Martin Hegland took charge.

Not until 1906 was the school officially recognized by the church.  At first some doubt existed as to the value of a school in this portion of the state, but after thorough investigation the church authorities ratified the establishment of the college.  In 1907 the college was recognized by the University of Iowa as one of the accredited high schools of the state.  Several donations or gifts have been made to the college since its start, the principal one of which was that of Rev. and Mrs. J. M. Dahl, consisting of 558 acres of land in Marshall County, Minnesota.

As to the purposes of the school, the Waldorf College Bulletin briefly states:  “It is the aim and purpose of Waldorf College to provide a general education which shall include and place special stress upon that most important element in education, namely, the development of Christian character.  The school training which neglects the religious and moral side of man is not only incomplete, but it is a positive danger to society and good government.  In standard of scholarship, the school strives to equal the best American schools.  In the standard of Christianity, it adheres to the teachings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.  This, however, in no wise excludes students of good moral character, who may hold memberships in other churches, provided they are willing to comply with the rules and regulations of the school.”

The courses of study offered at this school comprise the following:

1. A common school course of one year.
2. An academic course of four years preparing for college and university courses.
3. A normal academic course of four years preparing for teaching.
4. A business academic course of four years preparing for a business career.
5. An agricultural academic course of four years preparing for scientific farming.
6. A normal course of three years.
7. A parochial normal course of three years.
8. A course in vocal and instrumental music.
9. A business course of one year.
10. A shorthand and typewriting course of one year.
11. An agricultural short course of two four-months winter terms.
12. Summer sessions of six and twelve weeks.

To say a word more in regard to the buildings and equipment of the college, there are three buildings in use at the present time.  The main building is 124 feet long by 84 feet deep, three stories and basement.  It is built of pressed brick and stone.  On the first floor are recitation rooms, and the chapel, the latter with a seating capacity of about 300.  The second and third floors are used as a dormitory for girls.  The basement is used for the Boarding Club, the dining hall having a seating capacity of about 250.  The north wing of the basement is used for Home Economics.

The house immediately west of the college is used as a residence for teachers and students, also a Music Studio is in this building.  The new building erected in 1911 is a three-story building 95 feet long and 60 feet wide.  It contains six large well-lighted classrooms and dormitory rooms for eighty boys.  The gymnasium in the basement of this building is 60 feet long and 44 feet wide and is equipped with shower baths and dressing rooms.  All the buildings are lighted by electricity and heated by steam from a central heating plant.  The following statistics will be of interest to the general reader, as they show the growth and development of the school.  This is a summary for thirteen years.

GRADUATES BY COURSES

The faculty members of Waldorf Lutheran College in 1917 are:

Rev. Martin Hegland, Ph. D. (Columbia University), President.  Religion.
John A. Holvik, A. M. (St. Olaf College).  Norwegian, German.
Mrs. John A. Holvik (Graduate of College of Music, St. Olaf).  Voice.
Alice J. Heiberg (Graduate College of Music, St. Olaf).  Piano.
Jennie Thorson (Graduate Thomas Normal Training School).  Home Economics.
Selmer C. Larson, A. B. (St. Olaf College).  Mathematics and Science.
Charles G. Johnson, B. S. Agr. (Iowa State College, Ames).  Agriculture and Manual Training.
Bessie L. Gulbrandson, A. B. (St. Olaf College).  Preceptress, English and Education.
Olaf 0. Bjertness, A. B. (St. Olaf College).  Business Manager, Civics and Economics.
Oscar Lyders, A. B. (St. Olaf College). Music and History.
Minnie G. Syverson (Graduate Whitewater, Wis., Normal School, Commercial Course).  Shorthand and Typewriting.
Matilda Oefstedal, A. B. (St. Olaf College).  English, Latin.
G. A. Larsen (Graduate Capital City Commercial College, Madison, Wisconsin).  Bookkeeping.
Traverse B. Krouskup (State University of Iowa).  Assistant Instructor.
Mrs. Inger Hexdall, Matron.

The present officers of the Waldorf Lutheran College Association are as follows:  Rev. 0. R. Sletten, Lake Mills, Iowa, president; Rev. L. O. Wigdahl, Ruthven, Iowa, vice president; L. A. Jensen, Forest City, Iowa, secretary; Luther I. Aasgaard, Forest City, Iowa, treasurer; Rev. Edward Nervig, Albert Lea, Minnesota, A. O. Rye, Hanlontown, Iowa, and O. Michaelson, Leland, Iowa, trustees who [sic] terms expire 1919; Rev. C. S. Halvorson, Thompson, Iowa, Luther I. Aasgaard, Forest City, Iowa, Rev. N. C. Brun, Lake Mills, Iowa, trustees whose terms expire 1917; Oliver Gorden, Forest City, Iowa, Rev. Hans Fosnes, Northwood, Iowa, and Rev. C. S. Salveson, Carrington, N. D., trustees whose terms expire in 1918.  The board of directors is composed of the following:  Rev. P. B, Trelstad, Blue Earth, Minnesota, term expires 1919; Rev. L. O. Wigdahl, Ruthven, Iowa, and Rev. E. O. Hjelmeland, Fertile, Iowa, terms expire 1917; Rev. Joh. Granskon, Lake Mills, Iowa, and Rev. J. J. Akre, Estherville, Iowa, terms expire 1918.

NEWSPAPER HISTORY

THE WINNEBAGO PRESS

The first newspaper in Winnebago County bore the name of the Winnebago Press and the first number of the same was issued June 14, 1867, at Forest City, with Will Kelly as editor and publisher.  Owing to some delay in getting his material here the editor could not publish a complete paper the first week, but sent out a half sheet, apologizing and promising to issue a complete paper the following week, which he did.  It was a five column quarto, well filled with local and general news, and contained a fair number of advertisements.  Mr. Kelly, although a strong writer, lacked the business ability to make his newspaper a success and in September, 1867, the Press came under the management of Arthur Linn and J. C. Harwood, two young men from Charles City, Iowa.

The firm of Linn & Harwood enlarged the paper to a six column folio and continued their partnership until November 11, 1869, when Mr. Linn sold out to his partner and retired.  He afterward became editor of the Bismarck (N. D.) Herald.

Mr. Harwood continued the publication of the Press with good success and considerably increased its circulation.  In the fall of 1870 it was enlarged to a seven column sheet, and in July following it was again enlarged to eight columns.  In October, 1871, Mr. Harwood relinquished control of the Press and the paper and plant were purchased by W. C. Hayward and M. Halvorsen.  After his retirement Mr. Harwood engaged in mercantile business in Forest City with B. A. Plummer for a time, then went to Hampton, Iowa, and reentered the newspaper business.

The firm of Hayward and Halvorsen took control of the Press with the issue of October 12, 1871, and in their salutatory promised allegiance to the republican party.  This partnership continued in active force until July 1, 1873, when Hayward retired, selling out to Halvorsen.  The latter remained in sole charge until January 1, 1874, when A. H. Chase purchased a half interest and the firm became Halvorsen & Chase.  The Press was continued until about the first of March when its name was changed to the Northern Iowa Gazette.

NORTHERN IOWA GAZETTE

In November, 1874, Mr. Halvorsen sold out his interest in this paper to Mr. Chase and removed to Lake Mills, where he established the Independent Herald.  He conducted this journal for two or three years, then sold out to E. D. Hinman and went to Albert Lea, Minnesota.  On November 26, 1874, A. H. Chase became sole proprietor of the Northern Iowa Gazette and he at once changed the name to the

WINNEBAGO SUMMIT

By 1885 the firm name of the publishers of the Summit was the Chase Brothers.  Articles of incorporation were filed on August 19th of that year, signed by A. H. Chase, J. W. Mahoney and David Secor.  The incorporation was known as the Summit Printing Company.  This stock company was maintained until 1901, when it was reorganized and placed upon a new basis.  The Chase Brothers continued as proprietors and publishers of this paper until about this time.  G. S. Gilbertson, having previously become associated with this paper and then becoming the owner of the majority of the stock, employed different editors to operate the paper, among whom were L. R. Walrea, W. O. Howard, N. W. Potts and W. A. Olson.  On September 1, 1915, W. R. Prewitt purchased the controlling interest in the paper and now is the sole owner and publisher.  The Summit is now published to over 1500 people in the county and in this part of the state.  The plant is modern in every respect, being equipped with a linotype, two Gordon job presses and a Potter book and job press.  The paper is now an eight page, six column publication, all home print and is an organ of the republican party.

THE WINNEBAGO CHIEF

The first number of this paper was issued February 4, 1880.  It was a six column quarto.  The paper was established by Clayton O. Ingalls of Clear Lake, Iowa, and he was its editor and publisher; George E. Frost of Clear Lake being the owner.  In September, 1880, H. M. Halvorsen and J. T. Lattimore purchased the Winnebago Chief and changed the name to the

WINNEBAGO WEEKLY REVIEW

This paper presented its first issue to the public on the 15th of September, 1880, being a six column quarto.  On April 15, 1881, Mr. Halvorsen became sole editor and propietor [sic] of the Review and so continued until January 1, 1882.  At this time he formed a partnership with his brother, M. C. Halvorsen, and the firm name of H. M. Halvorsen & Company was adopted.  On February 1, 1887, the paper underwent another metamorphosis, when J. E. Anderson assumed charge of the publication and renamed it the

INDEPENDENT

Under this title Mr. Anderson has continued the publication of this weekly until the present time and has made of the paper not only a news carrier of value, but an organ of political and social influence.  The first issue under the new management was upon February 17, 1887, and the proprietors were listed as J. E. Anderson & Company, with F. M. Cooley as editor.  Mr. Anderson has ever been an advocate of progressive principles and has carried his political ideas far beyond the confines of the county.

THE NORTH STAR

The paper bearing the above name was established in June, 1872, at Lake Mills, by E. D. Hinman & Company.  It was a six column folio and was established in the interest of the northern part of the county, which hitherto had been without a newspaper.  The first issue of the North Star appeared June 3, 1872.  This venture of the North Star was unsuccessful and after about a year's existence it was suspended.  Later, however, it was resurrected and again placed before the public.  John Kyle came into the possession of the plant and in 1892 changed the name to the

LAKE MILLS GRAPHIC

He afterwards sold out to Ford Howell and Ray Gregg, who conducted the paper for four years, when Howell disposed of his interests in the paper to his partner, then the firm became Gregg & Gregg.  After an interval of five years P. M. Joice and Harry Griffen bought the Lake Mills Graphic and so continued as publishers and owners until 1900.  In this year the Lake Mills Publishing Company was formed, consisting of the Graphic owners and the owners of the Republikaneren, a Norwegian paper which had been established some years before and issued by John Story.  After a year the Norwegian paper was sold.  The Lake Mills Publishing Company continued with Harry Griffen as business manager for a year, then M. A. Aasgaard took the position for one and a half years and in 1902 purchased the entire plant.  The Graphic has an excellent circulation in the county (about 1500) and is equipped with modern presses and other apparatus.

THE INDEPENDENT HERALD

In the month of February, 1875, the first issue of the Independent Herald appeared at Lake Mills.  Marcelus Halvorsen was the editor and publisher.  The paper was a five column quarto.  Halvorsen continued in control of the paper for about three years, then sold to E. D. Hinman, who in turn, after one year, sold out to H. W. Rowland.  The next purchaser was O. P. Hull in August, 1881.  In January, 1884, S. K. Gregg assumed control of the Herald.  After several years of precarious existence the Herald threw up the sponge and retired from the ring.

WINNEBAGO REPUBLICAN

The Winnebago Republican, published at Forest City, is the youngest newspaper in the county, having been established in 1901.  Luther I. Aasgaard is the editor of the Republican.  The plant of this paper is one of the most modern in the state.  The paper, though in its infancy, enjoys a good circulation and earns a well merited patronage.

BUFFALO CENTER TRIBUNE

The Buffalo Center Tribune made its first appearance in the year 1892.  The present editor of the weekly is J. P. Boyd.  The paper has a good circulation and is devoted to the interests of the city of Buffalo Center and the surrounding community.

THOMPSON COURIER

The Thompson Courier is another of the live and energetic smaller papers of the county and state.  The Courier was established in the year 1893 and is now published by Irva Townsend.

RAKE REGISTER

The Rake Register came into being in 1900 and is next to the youngest paper in the county.  W. C. Sundermeyer is the editor and proprietor.

A History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa. Vol. 2.  Chicago:  Pioneer Publishing Company, 1917.  150-65. Print.