Katherine Richardson has lived in Moorhead since her birth in 1928. Mrs. Richardson discusses her long interest and involvement in the Republican party. She tells of her position as one of the first presidents of the local Federation of Republican Women.
Magnus Wefald was born in 1900 in Hawley, Minnesota and grew up there. Wefald discusses his law practice in Hawley, Minnesota, and his service in the Minnesota State Senate for 12 years. He describes the changes in the law that he has seen over the years. He talks about the community affairs in which he has been involved and his term as mayor.
Morris Lanning was born August 27, 1944 in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Lanning is vice president of Student Affairs at Concordia College. Mr. Lanning was elected mayor of Moorhead in 1980. Mr. Lanning discusses his background in politics, motivation for running, and what he hopes to accomplish as mayor. He is the first mayor to serve a four-year term.
Mr. Ray Stordahl was born in Minnesota in 1926. Stordahl reflects on his years in Moorhead government, including his service on the City Charter Commission and Public Service Commission, and his years as mayor, 1964-1972.
Thornley F. Wells was born in Cando, North Dakota on July 20, 1901. He came to Moorhead in 1932 to set up a business of his own. Wells reflects upon his many years in Moorhead government, including service as an alderman and as mayor. He also discusses his terms of office as a member of Clay Country Board of Commissioners.
Wayne Ingersoll was born in 1945 in Texas. Mr. Ingersoll was elected mayor of Moorhead in 1978. He discusses his political background, duties as mayor, and issues with which he was confronted. Mr. Ingersoll has taught 7th, 8th, and 9th grade levels for eighteen years.
Willis Kingsbury, 47 years old, was born and reared in Minneapolis. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in architecture. Mr. Kingsbury has served as community development director of the city of Moorhead and director of the Red River Valley Interpretive Center. He describes his experiences as a city employee and outlines the changes in Moorhead resulting from urban renewal and economic development programs.
Exterior view of the Jackson County Courthouse. The building's cornerstone was laid on July 9, 1907 and construction was completed in 1909. It is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Believed to be a reunion of the Minnesota National Guard Unit of 135 Infantry Division, Company E. Assigned during World War II with the 34th Infantry and served in Africa and Europe. One person is identified as Maurice Moses, Bronze Star winner (sixth from left in the front row).
Duluth's longest-serving mayor, Samuel Frisby Snively, was born on November 24, 1859 in Cumberland, Pennsylvania. After earning a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, he and a friend opened a law firm in Duluth in 1886. They did very well until the financial ruin of 1893, after which Snively tried his luck in the Yukon gold rush of 1897. He was unsuccessful, but he returned to Duluth and found prosperity in farmland development. After building a creek parkway (Seven Bridges Road) and several others, Snively was elected mayor in 1921 at the age of 61. He held the office for sixteen years, leaving a legacy of beautiful parkland and boulevards. He continued this work after his four terms until he died a bachelor on November 7, 1952 in Duluth.
Charles Hinman Graves was a colonel in the army before his term as mayor in 1882-1883. He went on to serve in the Minnesota Legislature before his death in 1928. Marcus B. Cullum, born in 1856, served as Duluth's mayor from 1904-1907 and again from 1910-1911. He began work on what is now Leif Erikson Park, and was later a strong figure in the Minnesota Legislature before he died in 1932. Clinton Markell was Duluth's second mayor, elected in 1870. After his tenure he continued in the grain and mining businesses until his death in 1912.
Madelia was Watonwan's first county seat, from 1860-1878. The first courthouse building is the one pictured but was since razed. In 1878 the county the seat was relocated to St. James.
