Crappies (pronounced croppies) are biting on South Lida. We have anywhere from 3 to 7 inches of ice. A little snow fell, but it has mostly blown off the lakes. Guys are having fun with tip-ups going after those northerns.
A lot of muzzleloaders have been out chasing deer. The deer are actually starting to be more active during daylight hours now as the cold weather continues on.
(Minnesota Outdoor Life via The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead)
56572 Editor's note: The following appeared in the December 6, 2006 Pelican Rapids Press. Thanks to the current owners for permission to publish it here.
Pelican Press Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from the Dec. 6, 1956 Press. Dec. 1 of that year marked the 50th anniversary of E. L. Peterson’s purchase of the Pelican Rapids Press and he wrote a very interesting and informative address to the readers. We thought it would be a walk down memory lane for some and a history lesson for others. Enjoy.
A journalism student said, “I’m just crazy to be an editor.” Old editor replied: “You have to be.”
In November 1906, I with my family was living at Faribault, Minn., and out of a job. I heard that the newspaper at Pelican Rapids was for sale and as I had had some newspaper experience (owner of the Morrison, Minn., Press for a few years) I decided to investigate the situation. I spent a day looking over the plant and visiting the people and was much impressed with the future of the town and the possibility of developing a newspaper of sufficient merit to warrant the support and good will of the community. So I bought the paper which was located in the basement under the present Coast-to-Coast store, from James Ralph who had owned it six months. He remained here to run the paper until I got here January 7, 1907.
The Press was established April 1897 and during that time it had had seven owners and the public didn’t have very much confidence in newspaper men. I was given only a few years before I would pull up stakes and look for greener pastures. I announced in the Press that I was here to stay, and I have kept my promise. After fifty years of hard work, long hours and more or less discouraging circumstances, I can truthfully say I am grateful that fate directed me to one of the best towns in the Northwest.
Fifty years ago the population of Pelican Rapids was 1,056 and it has grown to an estimated 1,800. Progress has been the slogan of the village and community. Our school facilities fifty years ago were mediocre. There were about 65 students in the high school and the town was in need of better educational advantages. A new high school building with modern facilities was a must and after a hard fight bonds for $30,000 were voted and a new building was erected in 1914. The enrollment doubled in the high school the first year and has been increasing right along. Later more room was needed and a $90,000 structure was built. When fifteen rural school districts joined Independent School Dist. No. 10 a few years ago, another $350,000 building was erected.
Our sanitary and fire fighting facilities were inadequate and a movement was started to install a municipal water and sewer system. After much wrangling and strong opposition these improvements were added to the convenience of the residents. Also a modern sewage disposal plant.
The farming industry fifty years ago was undeveloped and in 1912 a fine creamery was built which encouraged dairying and diversified farming - raising hogs, cattle and poultry. The creamery developed to become one of the largest in the state. Added facilities to the village were paving Broadway and hard surfacing several streets, establishing storm sewers, gutters and playground park and swimming pool where the children were given the opportunity to enjoy summer recreation.
Not to be overlooked was the building of a fine up-to-date hospital which has been a great blessing to the community and well patronized by those in need of its accommodation for miles around.
The last great industry to be added to our village is the Turkey Processing Plant which is now open for business. This project cost some $400,000 and it is expected will afford employment to a large number and process turkeys for a large area and it is hoped this plant will be the means of making the village the turkey raising center of the Northwest.
Another important industry which has been added to our town and which has become a business of great importance of the community is the Rural Electrical Association which was located here by the combined efforts of the businessmen and farmers of Pelican. The REA employs several people and furnishes light and power to over 10,000 rural homes. It has revolutionized rural life and made our village known as a good business center for miles around.
In conclusion I want to mention that Pelican Rapids has the reputation far and near as a moral town with people of high ideals and friendly, cooperative inclinations, where the sale of intoxicating beverages has been prohibited for over fifty years. A cordial invitation is extended to those who wish to enjoy facilities of a modern town, with its schools, churches, up-to-the-minute business establishments and friendly atmosphere, to come to Pelican Rapids to make your home.
- E. L. Peterson
6 hours ago
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