CHAPTER XVI. ZUMBROTA. Zumbrota Village — Its Situation and Advantages — Modern Zum- brota — Water, Sewer and Public Halls — Fire Department — Industries — Banks — Hotels — Mills and Elevators — Creamery — Fraternities — Village History and Officers — T. P. Kellett's Speech — Military Company — Village Schools — Public Library — Zumbrota Township — Township Officers Since Early Days — Soldiers from This Township. Zumbrota Village is rich in historic lore, being one of several settlements, projected by eastern people, and designed to be places to which should be transported with more roomy sur- roundings jiihI wider opportunities, the thrift, education and cus- toms of the thickly populated East. To this day, these sturdy eastern pioneers remain in the township and village, and form the backbone of the community. As elsewhere in the county, the sturdy Scandinavians have had their part in the general growth and development of the community, while in the village itself are many comparative newcomers who have assisted in the mate- rial and business progress of Zumbrota 's industrial and commer- cial activity. The history of this community has been gathered from various sources, assisted by Edward F. Davis, editor of the Zumbrota "News," while the story of the modern village is largely the work of his gifted pen. Zumbrota village is the trading center for one of the richest agricultural sections of what is acknowledged to be one of the richest agricultural states in the Union, commanding a large part of the trade of the farmers of Roseoe, Minneola, Pine Island and Zumbrota townships, as well as other adjoining country districts. It is admirably situated in the midst of a rolling prairie, on the north branch of the Zumbro river and on the Northwestern, Great Western and Milwaukee railroads, giving it exceptional shipping facilities, while well kept wagon roads extending fan-like in all 234
