THE ENTERPRISING LARS SORENSEN

The Kossuth County Genealogical Society received some photos and information from Jeanette Sorensen Ramseth who is the granddaughter of Lars Sorensen, long time grocer in Algona.  Among the materials she provided was a short rendition of her memories of growing up in Algona and facts about Sorensen Grocery Store which operated at the corner of State and Moore.  Those items in turn reminded me that Lars was featured in the book “Enterprising Men of Algona.”  With Jeanette’s permission, I want to use some of her materials along with my own research to recall the life of Lars Sorensen.

CAME FROM DENMARK

Lars was born in Albeck Skov, Denmark in 1869.  He was educated there and apprenticed as a butcher.  At the age of 21 he immigrated to the United States, coming directly to Kossuth County where he worked a time for Frank Winkel in his meat shop.  He left for a short period to work in Spencer and then in Chicago, but eventually came back to Algona where he opened his own meat market. 

He met a young woman by the name of Ida Olson and they were married December 11, 1895 in Burt.  Ida had come to the United States of America from Sweden four years before.  The newlyweds lived in Burt for three years before moving to Algona. 

Lars continued to run his meat shop until 1904 when another opportunity presented itself.  He and Wesley A. Dutton purchased the grocery business of Ed Gilmore and opened their own store known as “Dutton & Sorensen.”  Often known as the “Corner Grocery,” the business was located in the northeast corner of the intersection of State and Moore.  Besides stocking staples like flour and sugar, they carried a large selection of canned goods, meats and other grocery items.  They also carried China and Wedgwood creamware called queensware which was a big attraction to their lady customers.

The partners had purchased the Gilmore building and took great pride in its maintenance.  They repainted often and in 1913 installed an iron ceiling.  Although they were devoted to their business, the owners had a good sense of humor as well.  On April Fool’s Day in 1914, they cut a 2 x 4 on a slant and glued one to each side of a display window.  They then glued some pieces of broken glass to the window to give the impression of a damaged window.  That day many visitors stopped in the store to let them know that the 2x4 had fallen and broken the window, only to find the joke was on them.

Sorensen Grocery in the 1930s

Later that same year the two acquired the store of C.W. Cook in Hobart.  Jed Dutton was chosen to manage the store.  It was perhaps not as profitable as they had hoped as they sold it slightly more than a year later to Robert Vincent.

Storekeeping was not without its dangers.  In June of 1913, Dutton was getting a bag of flour from the back room for a customer when the pile of flour sacks – forty or fifty in all – toppled over on top of him and burying him and 12 cases of eggs, creating a mess and leaving him with bruises.  On another occasion, a Mr. Barker attempted to park his automobile in front of the store where he intended to sell eggs to the proprietors.  The gas pedal malfunctioned causing the vehicle to jump the curb and run into the front door of the establishment, breaking the door posts and its west window. 

The year 1914 saw the end of the partnership between Lars and Wes Dutton.  Sorensen purchased Dutton’s interest who went back into the flour and grain business. 

PERSONAL LIFE

During these years Lars personal life was busy too.  He became an American citizen.  He and Ida would go on to have eight children together, two of whom died in infancy.  Edna, Arthur, Russell, Evelyn, Harold and Richard grew up working in the store when needed.  He was active in the local Presbyterian church, serving many years as superintendent of their Sunday school.

Tragedy struck the family in October of 1918.  Ida was only 44 years of age when she contracted Spanish influenza which was sweeping the nation.  She then developed pneumonia.  It took her life after being ill for just one week, leaving her family motherless.  One of her sons, Arthur, was a soldier serving in France at the time of her death and word of her passing didn’t reach him until many weeks later. 

Just the month before Lars had sold the grocery business to S. J. Ramsey and Harry J. Liebenstein, retaining ownership of the building.  It is unknown what Lars’ plans were for his future following the sale of his grocery business, but with the loss of his wife, I am sure his world came tumbling down.  Over the next few years he worked in sales both at local stores and as a traveling salesman of products to grocery stores.

In 1924 Lars married Clara Stacy with whom he had a daughter, Frances. Unfortunately, the marriage proved to be an unhappy one and they were divorced in 1930.

THE “NEW” SORENSEN GROCERY

In 1930 Lars’ son, Harold Sorensen, was a newlywed working for Swift & Co. in Hutchinson, Kansas.  He and his wife, Mable, desired to move back to Algona and he and his father decided to re-open Sorensen Grocery which was quite an undertaking during the depression years.  Lars still owned the building at 201 East State Street where the original Sorensen Grocery had been located.  Ellis Runchey had been operating a grocery at the same location, but soon found another site to relocate.

Front: Woodrow Cook, Bert Randall, Ellen Pommerining,
Mable Sorensen, and Dick Sorensen;  Back: Harold Sorensen,
Robert Dutton, Julius Petersen and Lars Sorensen

Lars and Harold set out to make the layout of the store more convenient to serve their customers.  They left the refrigerated meat locker in the rear of the store which had been installed by Mr. Runchey where a rope operated, open elevator was also located which was used to move merchandise to and from the basement.  They remodeled the rest of the area moving the meat department closer to the front. They held their grand opening on January 31, 1931.

Mable Sorensen

The store was a busy place.  A true family affair, in addition to Lars and Harold, youngest son, Richard, worked there and Harold’s wife, Mable, would often work after hours stocking shelves while baby Jeanette napped in an orange crate.  The local telephone exchange was located on the upper floor of the building which added to the hustle and bustle as operators would come and go at all hours for the day.

In addition to selling meat and groceries, the proprietors also bought milk, eggs and produce from area farmers.  Many items such as sugar, nuts and candy came in bulk and had to be weighed and packaged by the pound.  The printed cloth sacks that flour came in became popular with customers who used them to make aprons and other items during those tough economic days.  Customers brought jugs to have them filled with vinegar from a big wooden barrel. 

TRIP BACK TO DENMARK

By 1936, Lars was yearning to visit Denmark.  In the 47 years he had lived in America he had only gone back once.  In July he and his niece, Mrs. Julius Petersen, began the journey of a lifetime.  They sailed for Europe, spending three months touring Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Germany.  Lars took his personal Chrysler auto along allowing convenient transportation during the visit.  Besides sightseeing he was able to visit many family members including spending the day with his sister when she celebrated her 80^th birthday.

Upon his return in October, he was shocked to learn of the sudden passing of his son, Harold, shortly before his return.  The family had refrained from notifying Lars and his niece of the death during their trip as they would have been unable to reach home in time for the funeral.

SORENSEN GROCERY ENDURES

With Harold’s passing, Richard “Dick” Sorensen and Harold’s widow, Mable Sorensen, operated the store.  During the next several years, Lars began to lessen his involvement in the enterprise.  He took another trip in 1938, this time a three-month sojourn in California.  In February of 1940 he and his friends celebrated his 71^st birthday and despite failing health, he took one more trip that fall to visit a sister that lived in Idaho.  A few days after his return, he traveled to Rochester for treatment.  Returning home, Lars died at General Hospital here in Algona on November 21, 1940.

The storefront today

Another view

Sorensen Grocery lived on for almost two decades, serving customers’ daily needs through the rationing days of World War II, numerous community events including the Centennial, and many holiday celebrations.  Dick Sorensen left the business in 1956, leaving Mable in charge.  Sorensen Grocery officially closed its doors in 1959.

Until next time,

Jean

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THE ENTERPRISING J.O. PAXSON

In a previous post I mentioned the book, “Enterprising Men of Algona” which was published in 1917.  J. O. Paxson is one of the enterprising men featured in the book and today I want to share with you his story. 

THE EARLY YEARS

Joseph Oliver Paxson was born April 13, 1856, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the son of Ellwood and Elizabeth (White) Paxson.  In his late teens he traveled west to Minneapolis. It was there that he met the family of Capt. D.D. Dodge.  More specifically, he met the Dodges’ beautiful young daughter, Helen.  When the Dodge family moved to Algona in early 1876, young Paxson soon followed.  Coming by train during a blizzard, he arrived at the Milwaukee depot on St. Patrick’s Day of that same year.  He must have held the key to Helen’s heart as they were married on July 4^th.

The young couple began their life together on a farm located in Section 12 of Riverdale township.  It was there that their two sons, Elwood and Dana, and their daughter, Katherine, were born.  Taking care of a cattle herd and grain farming filled their days.  They occasionally entertained the young people of the area at their residence by hosting dances and other events.

Somehow Joe found time to serve as a member of the Kossuth County Agricultural Association which ran the Kossuth County Fair.  During his service on the board as the director from Riverdale Township, six additional acres were purchased and added to the fairgrounds, many new exhibit classes were added and a poultry exhibit building was constructed.  He served as superintendent of the horse show and on other committees that ran various fair events.  At that time the fair was held in September each year. 

A NEW BEGINNING

The Paxsons retired from farming in March of 1903 and moved to Algona.  Joe was still a relatively young man at the age of 47.  He soon discovered a second career in the insurance business.  In 1906 he began his association with Kossuth County Mutual Fire Association when he became assistant to Secretary Ed Blackford.  Eight years later he became secretary of the firm when Mr. Blackford retired.  As part of his duties, Paxson traveled the county as an adjustor for the Association, settling claims with local policyholders. 

In addition to his involvement with Kossuth Mutual, Joe also ran a private agency to provide a wide range of insurance products.  The Association only wrote insurance against fire and lightening and he wanted to offer life, accident, automobile and other types of coverage to his customers which he was able to do through other companies.  He built a solid reputation as a trustworthy businessman. 

PART OF THE COMMUNITY

The Paxsons became an integral part of the local community.  Joe was elected to City Council and served six years.  During his term he was appointed mayor pro tem to serve in the absence of the mayor.  As a councilman he led the efforts to pave the streets of Algona.  So successful was he at this project that he was sometimes teasingly referred to as “Pavement Paxson.”  

Mr. Paxson was one of the first members and promoters of the Algona Commercial Club which was formed to promote county resources and advance agricultural and manufacturing businesses in the county.  This appears to be the 1910 version of today’s economic development corporations. The intention was to promote businesses already established such as the brick and tile works, the Nicoulin wagons and drays, and the Doering manure spreader company as well as to attract new industry to the area.

Helen was a founding member and first president of the local D.A.R. chapter.  She greatly enjoyed bridge and the couple often entertained in their home, hosting card parties or musical entertainment.  On New Year’s Eve in 1912, they took part in a large gathering in town which started with a reception for area women by the Methodist Ladies’ Aid and concluded with stops at seven area homes by their male counterparts.  The men had formed groups and had designed “calling cards” with their titles such as “Lucky Thirteen,” “Algona Thoroughbreds and High Steppers,” or “Hungry Eight.”  In addition to their names, some of the cards had their photos on them or a cute poem.  The presentation of these cards allowed their admission to each home where they would entertain or be entertained and be rewarded with refreshments. It was the social event of the season and was talked about for weeks afterward.

As shown in the drawing, Paxson had quite a collection of pipes.  Many were gifts from his good friends.  J.T. Chrischilles presented him with a curious one purchased at the Inn of the Good Samaritan between Jerusalem and Jericho.  It was made of clay native to that area, had been well used and appeared to be an antiquity.  Joe’s son Elwood gifted him a genuine Indian peace pipe from Oklahoma. It was about three foot long and very heavy.  Another in his prized collection was a Hungarian Jahlausji pipe from Hungary given to him by Ed Blackford.

Unfortunately in the late 1920’s Joe’s health began to fail.  He remained as secretary of Kossuth Mutual with his son, Dana, as his assistant. The gradual decline continued until his passing on January 12, 1933 at the age of 76.  He had resigned his secretary position just two days before. 

HELEN CARRIES ON

Following Joe’s passing, Helen remained active.  She attended the Congregational Church and volunteered there frequently.  Mrs. Paxson was well respected as a kind and popular woman.  She loved to tell stories of her life.  She particularly enjoyed sharing the memory of the return of her father, Capt. D. D. Dodge, from his service in the Civil War and how handsome he looked in his uniform.

Both of Helen’s sons predeceased her which definitely brought shadows to her later life.  However, she managed to keep an optimistic view and often declared that life was good to her.  Every description found of her uses terms such as "cheerful," "well-loved" and "admired."

She eventually moved to an apartment at 404 South Harlan and at the age of 97 still walked to downtown Algona several times a week as well as to services at the Congregational Church of which she was a 50 year member.  Although she enjoyed an occasional television show, she found her eyes easily tired when watching it.  She never had a set of her own but enjoyed keeping up with current events by listening to the radio.  Helen loved to have company, especially those who wanted to play bridge or canasta.    

Kossuth County Advance - April 19, 1954

It was interesting to find an ad placed by her friends at The Chrischilles Store congratulating her on her 97^th birthday.  The ad related that Mrs. Paxson had been a customer of the store for 78 years.  She had bought a set of dishes from Theo Chrischilles at his little wooden store east of the courthouse in 1878 and had been a devoted customer ever since. 

Late in her 97^th year, she moved to the Roberts Nursing Home which was located in the former Ambrose Call home on South Hall Street.  She later died there on December 23, 1958, at the age of 99.  Her services were held at the Congregational Church and then Helen was buried by her beloved Joe in Riverview Cemetery.

J.O. Paxson was truly an enterprising man who worked hard to advance the community and area that he loved. 

Until next time,

KC History Buff

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THE ENTERPRISING DR. C. H. CRETZMEYER

“Enterprising Men of Algona” was a book that was printed by the Upper Des Moines Republican in 1917.  It consisted of 28 cartoons of well-known Algona businessmen.  The cartoons had been printed in previous issues of the newspaper during 1916-17 before being combined into a book.  Each cartoon featured information about the subject which included hobbies, background facts and tidbits about their lives.  I find the artwork remarkable—sadly I have been unable to determine the identity of the artist that created the unique drawings.

From time to time, I plan to feature one of the enterprising men so that I can share their story—and their cartoon—with you.  To begin, let’s take a look at enterprising man Dr. C.H. Cretzmeyer.  Pictured as a very dapper man, complete with bow tie, the drawings scattered around the edge of the picture offer a peek into an active life.

THE DOCTOR COMES TO ALGONA

Born and raised in Waverly, Charles H. Cretzmeyer taught school for a short time following graduation from high school before enrolling in the University of Iowa.  He graduated from medical school in 1901 and completed his internship in 1902.  At the time the young doctor was undecided where to set up his practice.  During a trip to Chandler, Minnesota, to visit his grandfather, he had an all-night layover in Algona. Charles had several acquaintances in the area including Bill Hinchon, a young lawyer.  They spoke very highly of the community and urged him to consider casting his lot here.  Before leaving on the rest of his trip, Dr. Cretzmeyer toured the new Galbraith building at the corner of Moore and State Streets.  He selected several rooms on the second floor and became John Galbraith’s first tenant.  On April 16, 1902, the doors officially opened.  His office would remain in the same spot for 51 years. 

The new doctor set up housekeeping at the Durdall Hotel with unique payment arrangements.  He told proprietor Harry Tremain “I’m a young doctor. . .I’m going to work here. . I haven’t any money, but when I have some I’ll pay you.”  Tremain agreed, stating that he looked honest, and that arrangement lasted until the doctor had a home of his own.

When reminiscing in his later years, the doctor recalled that in the early days when he did not have many patients, he would sometimes grab his medical bag and run out of his office and down the street, hoping that observers would think he was called out on an emergency.  It didn’t take long for his practice to grow.  At that time he would travel by foot, horseback or buggy over dirt roads.  In the spring they were often bottomless mud pits.  Dr. Cretzmeyer would use a cutter to make his calls during the winter. 

HIS FAMILY LIFE

In March of 1904, Maude Low came to Algona and for the next year worked as a trimmer in the millinery store of Mrs. James Taylor.  She caught the eye of the young doctor and they were married the next year on her birthday, June 5, 1905.  The two were quite devoted to one another and the marriage was a happy one.  However, Mrs. Cretzmeyer’s health began to fail.  An operation was recommended to relieve her symptoms and Dr. Guthrie of Dubuque came to perform the surgery.  Complications followed and Maude died on the 9^th of December, 1909.  Her father took her remains to Osceola for burial in the family plot.

Dr. Cretzmeyer did remarry a few years later.  Bertha Henry of Oskaloosa had come to Algona to serve as a piano teacher and organist in the Methodist Church and had made a large circle of friends.  She and the doctor were married quietly at the Catholic parsonage by Fr. Halpin on October 14, 1915.  Although they attempted to keep the nuptials quiet, neighbors and friends discovered their plan and as they made their departure from the parsonage, the couple were showered with rice, cheers and well wishes.  They then drove to Fort Dodge and caught a train for St. Louis where they spent their honeymoon.

The couple went on to have two children—Dr. Charles H. Cretzmeyer, Jr., who like his father became a medical doctor, and their daughter, Jane Cretzmeyer, who became a teacher.

HIS PRACTICE

Dr. Cretzmeyer became well known for his surgical skills.  Shortly before he died he estimated that he had performed over 6,000 surgeries during his career.  I was amazed to learn how many cataract surgeries he performed.  To think over 100 years ago he was capable of such delicate operations on the eye is very impressive.  He was often called in on the most dangerous and gruesome of accident cases—a young man who jumped from a hay mow into a wagon landing on the handle of a pitchfork which punctured his rectum and colon as well as a railroad fireman who fell off a platform and beneath the approaching train.  Although he and several other area physicians did everything they could, these patients did die. 

He had many success stories, however.  The doctor loved to relate the story about a farm hand who came to his office one hot summer day begging for help for his very sick 11 year old son.  Going to the man’s home, Dr. Cretzmeyer found it to be a tent.  An examination of the child confirmed the physician’s suspicions that he was experiencing an appendicitis.  Despite the flies and unsanitary conditions, it was imperative that the surgery be performed immediately.  Dr. Cretzmeyer sterilized his instruments in an old Rochester sterilizer and called upon the assistance of Dr. Stull who administered ether. They placed the boy on a cleanly scrubbed old door set atop two salt barrels and the doctor successfully removed a gangrenous appendix. 

Ella Burke who served as the office nurse for Dr. J. W. McCreery for 25 years, recalled another incident when a lady who lived near Bode required emergency surgery in the middle of a very bad winter.  It was a bitterly cold night and Drs. McCreery, Cretzmeyer and Kenefick were called in.  Snow had closed the roads so they traveled by horse and cutter through the fields, cutting the fences as necessary.  The surgery was performed by lamplight in the home.

The delivery of babies also took much of the doctor’s time.  Once being called to the home, the practitioner would stay with the expectant mother until the arrival of the new little one.  This could mean many long hours monitoring labor.

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN

Charles was very involved in the community of Algona as well as in the medical community.  He served a term as president of the Kiwanis club and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a member of the American Medical Association, the American Association of Railway Surgeons, the Austin-Flint, Cedar Valley, and Twin Lakes medical societies, and was a past president of the Kossuth County Medical Society.

He served as the first Chief of Staff of the new St. Ann’s Hospital and was active in setting the policies for the facility.

HIS HOME

Bertha and Charles built a beautiful home which still stands at 400 East Nebraska Street in Algona and is known as Hearten Bed & Breakfast.  An inviting porch wraps around the house providing the residents a place to catch a soft summer breeze.  The home features a staircase with a landing large enough for the placement of a piano to showcase Bertha’s musical talent.  One can picture the family seated in the parlor and patients coming by after hours, seeking help from the good doctor. 

At the time the house was built, Bertha Cretzmeyer special ordered two chandeliers made from Austrian crystal.  The fixtures featured large amber teardrop crystals at the top surrounded by gold filigree with icicle-like clear prisms hanging in the lower portions.  These two fixtures were later sold along with other original fixtures.

An article in the Kossuth County Advance published on November 4, 1920, describes a Halloween party held at the house.  “Seventy-two ladies were delightfully entertained at a one o’clock luncheon Saturday given by the Mesdames C.H. Cretzmeyer and F. H. Seiler at the former’s home.  The spacious and beautiful Cretzmeyer house was decorated with yellow chrysanthemums and Halloween conceits in bright orange.  A “witch” showed the ladies where they were to sit at table.  One of the interesting and amusing features of the afternoon was a fortune-telling booth.  This had been fitted up with kettle, firelight, and a skeleton borrowed from Doctor Cretzmeyer.  The ladies had their fortunes told in turn.  The rest of the afternoon was spent at bridge.”

THE END OF THE STORY

Charles continued to practice medicine right up until his passing on Monday, May 6, 1957 at the age of 78.  He had suffered a heart attack late Sunday evening and was rushed to the hospital.  A second attack the next day took his life.  Bertha died three years later following a long illness.  Both are buried in Calvary Cemetery.

William C. Dewel, a good friend, wrote a tribute at the time of the doctor’s passing which was published in the Kossuth County Advance on May 7, 1957.  He stated, “In both public and private the doctor was upright and faithful to the best concepts of physician and citizen.  I regard his passing as a symbol of the end of an era in the history and growth of Algona and Kossuth county.  Fifty-five years ago he came to just another country town, and now he leaves as it is blossoming into a new era as a rising small city.”

Until next time,

Jean

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