Sherburne History Center Blog

Transportation advertising found in the Sherburne County Star News , 1938 Country roads became smooth bands of pavement throughout Minnesota in the 1920s. As gravel and mud disappeared, replaced by sleek, flat thoroughfares, roads generated a new need for speed and power.   Automobiles graduated from the small buggy model-T’s to the V-8 power of Ford and Chevrolet.   Newspapers in the 1930s witnessed a dramatic change in the object of advertising.   No longer the small cars or buggies.   With the completion of the Jefferson Highway through Sherburne County, and roads running north, the Sherburne County Star News began advertising what must have seemed like truly powerful machines of transportation. Deluxe Ford V-8’s “bigger and more luxurious than any previous Ford V-8,” the newspapers advertised.   Delivered for only $802, “why pay more” the ads wondered.   Chevy and Buick also promised greater power in their automobiles.   In addition...

Mercantile of W. L Babcock and Sons, circa 1900.  SHC photo collection 1995.017.004 Highways, roads, streets and avenues play pivotal roles in daily life.   Smooth, comfortable transportation proved important to development of business and commerce in the state.   For Sherburne County, one individual stands out as vital to the growth and development of the county and the highway system running through the state: Charles Babcock.     Born in Orrock in 1871 to Willard and Serepeta Babcock, Charles Babcock grew up on a farm, later worked in his father’s mercantile store and still later became President on the Bank of Elk River.   In his early life no hint was made of his eventual success, or his importance, as Highway Commissioner of Minnesota.      After childhood years in public education, Charlie Babcock attended the University of Minnesota.   The economic crisis of 1893 caused him to drop out and return to work in the ...

In an earlier time Veteran’s Day was known as Armistice Day.  And on November 11, each year the holiday commemorated the service from veterans and peace marking the end of World War One.  For a generation of Minnesotans, the day also sparks memories of one of the worst snowstorms to ever hit Minnesota: The Armistice Day Blizzard.   Snow began to fall on November 11, and continues into the next day.  In total, 27 inches fell.  Winds blew up to 80 miles per hour.  In some areas of the state 20 foot snow drifts were records.   The snow impeded transportation and threatened lives.  In one report, two locomotives collided in the blowing and blinding snow.  In total, throughout the upper Midwest, 145 people died in the snowstorm.  Locally, in Sherburne County, the memories are fresh.  In the memoirs of Virginia Johnson, she recalls the challenges of getting home from school during the storm.  She wrote, “Two fathers bro...

In the world of legislating transportation, in 1909, the State of Minnesota took the lead.  The Sherburne County Star News reported “road rules are many and explicit.  Cars are required to carry brakes, horns, lamps, etc., and speed is limited to 25 miles an hour, or 10 miles an hour at crossings, curves and other dangerous places.”  With the article in the May 6, 1909 issue, the newspaper emphasized enforcement would begin immediately.  The laws become “operative May 15,” the paper reported.   At the time, the regulations and licensing came from the Secretary of State.   Previous research suggests the laws had minimal impact on Sherburne County as there were very few automobiles in the area.  In a few short years, however, the transportation departments in the state would led by Elk River native, Charles Babcock.  And the rules for operating the "horseless carriage" would become more important.

“Hurrah for the Beef Hurrah for the Liver Hurrah for the bridge That Spans the River.” This is just one of several jingles heard on the streets of Elk River celebrating the new bridge completion in 1906.  Crossing the Mississippi River and connecting Elk River with Otsego, the bridge was celebrated as a “mutual benefit” with “commercial, social and financial rewards.”  Although the benefits seemed obvious, obtaining financial support and construction of this new transportation artery were never easily obtainable goals.  With the completion, though, the old ferry crossing the river closed and citizens from two counties celebrated.  The fifty years before the bridge, consistently crossing the River at Elk River was possible only through the ferry operating since 1856.  The only other options included crossing at a ford south of town when the water was low, or cross on winter ice when the river might be frozen.  None of these options guaranteed ...