DHA LVI
(3/25/2004)

Minga Tak

To Bertha B. Killion, contribution response; the family of Walter O. Knudsen, for forwarding memorials, from Gladys Paulsen (check) and others (currency).

To all those who via contribution forms or otherwise, have given and listed offerings of artifacts and archives for the museum. To all those who have, or will contributed to this DHA news and information.

To Grand Petersen, Sr., who gave DHA a machine copy of the Daneville Twp. page of a 1911 plat directory, with the RR from Viborg to Irene, showing the Aggergaard spur and elevator on the east side of the main line.

He also loaned a copy of a Pork Show booklet (1970 or later); a large paper roll with photos of 57 business people in 1918; and an even larger roll, showing churches, school, and the four streets extending from the 4-way stop intersection, which carried a small 1917 calendar. Machine copies have been made from all three, and will be used from as appropriate.

The work of DHA is thus the beneficiary of his combination of interest in historic preservation, and his work at the school putting him in position to "glom onto" historically significant items that would otherwise have been lost forever.

Sonny Sorensen visited with Melanie Parsons March 11, to ask of readers who can provide information on the bandshell in the park west of Main Street, and south of the now Dollar Store. Erwin Holm may have been one of the band directors there.

He also remembered the Axel Bendixen had a merry-go-round in the area of the bandshell. He referred to it as a "Chain Merry-go-round," and that Bendixen took it "back to Denmark".

Can readers furnish additional information on the bandshell, the merry-go-round, and anything else concerned with a possible park in that area? And band members, or other people involved. And descriptions and/or photos of these items?

The following on this subject came from Ralph Jensen, Beresford, and is reprinted from the August 14, 2003, issue of this column.

" - the 'city band stand,' which was located where the current Community Building now stands. The bandstand had wood steps on the south side leading up into the bandstand. The lower portion built of wood painted white, and the upper portion was covered with window screen material.

"The city band performed - there - on a regular schedule. I can remember one of the musicians - Everet Nelson (a banker) - played the baritone horn."

Research in the Viborg history book found the following related references:

Axel Bendixen had a carnival 1925. (page 44)

Axel Bendixen and Hans Haas had a lumberyard, the DBS Cigar Factory, and a carnival (1893 - 1904 business list) (page 55) and 1905 (page 43); and NOT listed in the 1921 directory (page 54).

NOTE: The Axel Bendixen and Hans Haas families are two more that slipped through the cracks, and did not get recorded in the Viborg Centennial History book. In addition to Enterprise readers, people who spend time with computers may be able to put DHA's need to preserve such information, where it has a possibility of being seen by people who may know of these families (or others), or sources where such information may be sought, whether by computer or by real mail. Such searches should include people previously (and in the future) listed as falling through the cracks. Not only on VIborg listings, but on genealogical and history listings that may be available.

The April DHA Board meeting is 12 noon, Wednesday, April 7, Kountry Kookin' Cafe. Members and interested people welcome.

Continued next week...