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
