The Cafe and Game Room

I'm looking through a book of Alvarado (MN) Memories (published 2005).   I love the story of this little town who's population in 1910 was 128, and hasn't wavered over 375 since then.  

In the book, I located this photo of the Cafe, originally owned by Mike Nordine.  Inside was filled with antiques he'd collected, including skates and copper kettles.  Mike could tell stories about every piece.  Mike died in 1953, and somewhere in there my Grandmother, Myrtle, decided to take over the Cafe and called it either M&H Cafe, or H&M Cafe (Harold being my Grandfather).  They didn't make a go of it for very long, but they tried.  My mother can recall going there to help out after church on Sundays.  

When I showed Mom this photo she told me "That's a good picture of the cafe.  It was dark inside as I remember. All his glass counters were of walnut color as the other cafes were more brightly lit.  One of them was the pool hall where your dad would get him self these big ice cream cones. Or chocolate cake with chocolate ice cream and of course where he learned to play pool."

This of course led me to search out another photo, "The Game Room".  I'm quite certain this is the pool hall; the book mentioned that they sold sweets and treats there. 

Mike's Cafe originally, it was J. D.'s cafe when the building was razed to make room for a mini mall in 1984.  

J.D.'s relocated inside the strip mall.

Alvarado... Where Dad grew up!

On September 12, 1905, the Post Office officially changed it's name from Snake to Alvarado - the beginnings of this little town.  Unoccupied land is going for $30-$35 per acre.  In 1908 the population is 202 and the town becomes incorporated.  Axel Pederson, known as “Klink Axel,” builds his blacksmith shop, feed mill, and residence.  S. S. Trickey moves into town from his farm. He is a happy guy who serves as auctioneer, pulls teeth, sells Reo automobiles, and serves on the Village Council.  

And so it goes with little mid-western towns, full of ... interesting characters!

Alvarado in 1908 ---is the house Dad lived in built yet?

In 1912, you can take the train from Alvarado to Warren for 27 cents.
A trip to Minneapolis will cost you $6.65.

 In 1921, the first basketball team takes the court for Alvarado High.  The first students graduate from Alvarado High. Prior to 1921, students only went through the 8th grade.

In 1926, the Memorial Bridge over the Snake River is dedicated on June 5. The bridge costs $15,000.

In 1937, Oliver is born.  They were living on a farm across the field from Myrtle's sister, Esther.  Myrtle writes:  "The following April I had my second child, a boy we named Oliver LeRoy.  He was named for the son of my sister Esther.  Esther lived across the field from us and had just lost her firstborn son in an accident.  He was 13, and his name was Forest LeRoy."

In 1944, Ole Bergman, the man Harold had lived with for many years when he was young, and his mother had worked for, and who was now the county commissioner, heard about this house that was for sale very reasonable at only $750.  He paid down on the home for us and gave it to Harold.   Now we had our own home.  Our move to Alvarado was complete.

This is Alvarado in the snow .... so peaceful looking!

(Not sure when the photo was taken, or who took it.) 

 

Alvarado Public School, 1957

1950: Dad and Siblings

In this first photo: Arlene, Oliver, Elaine, Kathleen and Roger. 

Grandma Myrtle writes: "One day when Kathleen was six years old, 

and before Gary was born, we took the children to 

the photography studio to have their picture taken. 

Harold went to town and bought a beautiful blue dress for Kathleen. 

She wore it in the picture that I love so much." (1950)

In the second photo, it looks like the weather was a little chilly! 

All the girls have on stockings, most are in coats. 

I'm sure this was taken in Alvarado, MN. (You were a good lookin' kid, Dad!)