I11STOKY <>!•' GOODHUE COUNTS 225 WANAMINGO VILLAGE. In 1855 a small building was erected by W. Wright between sections 25 and 26 of Wanamingo township and in this shack were sold some of the necessities of life to the pioneers of those days. This store was sold to P. .Miller, who again sold to Smith & Lamberg. Their successor was John Kempe and later A. Urness. Before the sixties another store had been erected by C. Dirstine, whose business was later bought by Hermund Serum. Failing in health Serum sold to Martin Halvorson, who continued the business until his death, nearly thirty years. In those early days Wanamingo was the only trading point for the entire surrounding community. The marketing of grain and other business matters had to be done at Red Wing, Fari- bault or Hastings. About 1856 a postoffice was established and received the name of Wanamingo. Later a blacksmith shop was erected by Chrislock & Gunderson. This shop was later bought by J, J. Tiller. Another shop was erected by C. R. Chrislock, a cobbler shop by Hans Isackson and a harness and boot and shoe shop by Melchior Munson. A schoolhouse was built and a hotel erected by Wm. Miller. Every little while surveying crews were out in the neighborhood and rumors had it that one or more rail- roads were going to build through. Meanwhile a thriving little inland town sprung up and a townsite was platted by private parties. In 1857 or 1858 one Clark built a small mill nearly one mile further east on the Zumbro river. This mill was bought by Nel- son & Norby and a larger mill was erected on the south side of the Zumbro river on the town line between Minneola and Wana- mingo townships. Later Norby assumed full ownership until one-half interest was bought by Fordahl Bros. At present A. J. Fordahl is the owner. In 1889 Ole Sletten erected a store just opposite the mill. Shortly afterwards a cheese factory was built and started in operation by the farmers. This was sold to R. 0. Lund, who again sold to Gutzler Bros, of Kenyon. The factory was remodeled for a creamery. The company failing, the patrons again assumed charge of the creamery in proportion to the amount due them for cream delivered. September 9, 1893, the first steps were taken for the organi- zation of the Diamond Co-operative Creamery Company, which name his since been changed to Minneola Creamery Company and has become one of the most successful co-operative creamery or- ganizations in the state. In 1904 the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company broadened the narrow gauge track from Wabasha to Zumbrota and extended the track to Faribault, at which time the present.
