Salzer Summer Home Scrapbooks

Collection

Identifier: MSS 005

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

These two scrapbooks, which were given to Mary Miller as a souvenir of Ferndale, contain original prose and amateur snapshots taken during the summers of 1897 and 1898. In addition to the scrapbooks, Catherine Task Johnson, donor of the scrapbooks and niece of Mary Miller, has written a three paged history of her recollections of Ferndale.

Dates

1897-1898

Creator

Salter family (Family)

Access to Materials

Materials in this collection are available for patron use.

Historical Note

In 1884, the Reverend John A. Salzer (1823-1892), a pioneer Methodist preacher and founder of the Salzer Seed Company, purchased Ferndale as a summer camping ground, although he and his family may have camped at that site in Minnesota for some years before its purchase. Many guests came to visit and the primitive cabin was improved upon each year. Three years after the Reverend Salzer's death, the summer cottage was sold to a son, John P. Salzer, in 1895. Mrs. John P. Salzer maintained and enlarged the summer hospitality at Ferndale. Many picnics and camping gatherings were held at Ferndale.

Ferndale was sold to Mrs. Bernard Mast sometime after 1929, and by 1957 Ferndale was slated to be destroyed due to expansion of U.S. Highway 61. At that time it was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Giles R. Leonard of La Crosse.

Extent

0.8 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Two scrapbooks, 1897-1898, of the Salzer family cottage "Ferndale" in Minnesota. The Salzer family lived in La Crosse, Wisconsin. These scrapbooks are thought to have been compiled by Ben Hess and Frank Burgess at the La Crosse Tribune offices. The scrapbooks contain original prose and snapshots of summer campers at Ferndale.