Construction of the Lake Zumbro Hydroelectric Power Plant dam began in this area of the Zumbro River in 1917. The structure was designed by noted hydroelectric engineer, Hugh Lincoln Cooper. The dam, completed in 1919, is owned by Rochester Public Utilities.
This winter scene shows a man, riding in a sleigh pulled by a horse, on the street in front of the W. H. . Dodge lumber yard. The business was started in 1869 by W. H. Dodge. His son, Elam Dodge, joined the firm in 1907 and the name was changed to Dodge Lumber and Fuel.
Several Rochester landmarks are pictured in this early street scene. Some of the buildings visible are: Olmsted County Court House, Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church, Congregational Church, Old Central School and the Universalist Church.
Laundry supplies and wicker baskets are arranged around the interior of the Rochester Steam Laundry. The business was located at 107 South Main (First Avenue SW).
A piano, still in the shipping crate, sits on the sidewalk outside the Wagoner Music Company. The piano was manufactured at the Vose Piano Factory. The music store was located at 101 - 105 South Main (First Avenue SW). To the left of the music store at 107 South Main (First Avenue SW) is Rochester Steam Laundry.
Several people are working at looms inside the Rochester Rug Factory. Different types of looms and other rug making equipment are arranged around the room. A stove is located in the center of the space.
Third Street SW is shown, looking north. City Hall (built in 1884) is partially visible on the left. The uniformed firemen are standing in front of the Rochester Fire Department, left to right: William (Billy) Murray, William J. Hall, Bill Cudmore, Charles Zimmerman, William Boylhart, Henry (Stoney) Jacobs, John Hohler, Jack McHugh and driver Jack Ryan. Richard Ryan rented his team to the Fire Department. The horses pictured are the first team used by Fire Department. Previous to the horses, hand carts were pulled by volunteer firemen. The Rochester Electric Light Plant (built in 1893) was located between City Hall and the Fire Department.
Wooden furniture, upholstered furniture, rugs and wall decorations line the walls of the interior of the P. F. Johnson Furniture and Undertaking Store. Wooden chairs are hanging from the ceiling. The store was located on the southwest corner of Broadway and College Street (Fourth Street SW).
Barbers stand next to their barber chairs in Oesterreich Billiards, Bowling Alley and Barber Shop. Billiard tables are visible on the far right. The barbers are (left to right): Louie Bauman, Bill Sykes, Slim Garlets, Earl Ellison and Fred Oesterreich. The business was located at 9 South Broadway.
A group of Oakwood Cemetery workers are posed with garden tools, lawn mower, wheel barrow, sod cutter. The second man from the left is Andrew Holm, superintendent of the cemetery.
A small group of people are posed in front of the Northwestern Meat Market (also known as Grimm's Meat Market). Meat carcasses are hung from side walls.
Two men are sitting at a table drinking beer while another man stands by the counter at the Monogram bar. Charlie Kruesel was the proprietor of the saloon located at 214 South Broadway.
The dam, mill and cooper shop are located at the joining of the South Middle Branch and the North Middle Branch of the Zumbro River. This was the second mill, built after the first mill was destroyed by a fire in 1879. The mill was built by A. D. Allis.
Burt W. Eaton is sitting at his desk surrounded by bookshelves and various office equipment. A typewriter, letter press and law books are arranged on the table and desk. The law office was located in the Opera House block.
Will Ireland (right) and Leslie Stillwell (left) are standing behind the counter at Ireland's Book Store. Stationery supplies and books line the walls. The book store was located at 121 South Broadway.
A large stove dominates one wall of the Kennedy Saloon. Wooden chairs are placed on either side of the stove. On the opposite wall is the bar with Mr. Kennedy standing behind the counter. Other features include a large mirror over the bar and several spittoons on the floor. A man is sitting in one of the chairs by the stove reading a newspaper.
Shoes and boots are displayed on the walls of the George Leonard Shoe Store. The older gentleman, on the right, reading the newspaper, is George Leonard's father. The woman on the left is Abbie Leonard. The business was located at 227 South Broadway.
The First National Bank (1869 - 1909) was located at 201 South Broadway. The bank building was 18 feet wide and 50 feet long. This interior view shows four men posed by the main counter with teller cages; left to right: Simon Feeney (assistant bookkeeper), Walter Hurlbut (cashier), Charles N. Ainslee (assistant cashier), William W. Churchill (bookkeeper).
The interior of the Collin and Griffin Insurance office is shown with J. T. Collin seated at his desk, Etta Burns (bookkeeper) seated at the table and Richard J. Griffin standing at the counter. The office was located in the Opera House building at the corner of Broadway and Second Street SW.
Gertie Miller is wearing a costume representing the Dodge Lumber Company at the Merchants Carnival. Her dress is decorated with wood shavings and millwork.
The W H Dodge Lumber Yard was located at 24 South Main (now 1st Avenue SW) in Rochester. The business, originally known as W H Dodge, General Dealer in Lumber, was started in 1869 by W H Dodge. His son, Elam, joined the firm in 1907 and the name was changed to Dodge Lumber and Fuel.