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REPRODUCED FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF THE MANUSCRIPT DIVISION,
Coryl Moran
-4pri1 17, 1936
Miss Maloney
jtun Prairie
The first census was taken in 12. he total population was
120.
The census was taken in this way.'
OharlesBird
2 males
2 females
In 1844 a. postoffice was granted. the village, dm. Angell
being first post master. Postage on letters to :Jew York was 25i
and the shortest distance was 6 1/4-4. It was not required to be -pre-
paid, but might be paid. at either end. of the route. There were no
postage stamps or envelopes. The amount of postage was marked by
the post master on the letter which was folded and. sealed with seal-
ing wax.
In 1858 the Chicago, Milwaukee and ilestern R.R. line extended to
Sun Prairie and Columbus. Sun prairie ,was then one of the largest
and most flourishing grain markets in the state. The' wheat had to be
carried into the mill one bag at a time: Some odf the farmers started
from- home at two o'clock in the morning to be first at he elevator.
The line, of wagons loaded with grain would. often extend from the ele-
vator. for several blocks, waiting their turn. The old "American
Horse .Barnit_was on Main St when the railroad came, it was moved
wait -thous& (Klub° tent), stands and. remained, there
Coryl Moran -April 17, 1936
Miss Maloney
Sun Prairie
For ten years t is log house did uty as school house, church,
lecture room, and town Mall for the community. .J2hen a one story
schoolhouse was built. ,.boat this time the old academy was built
with funds supplied .by district treasurey. Its' Duriose was to help
out with upper grades in academy, because of crowded conditions in the
stone school house." This old academy was used by Baptists for church
until their's was built. The old academy was later moved off the lot
and used for a barn.
The Methodist church was organized in 1842. .he members worshipped
in school and in homes until 1867 when the. brick church was built.
The Congregational Uhurch was organized-ia 1846# its members
also worshipping in the homes until 1859 when their first church was
built.
The first Catholic Church was organized in 1863. It has the large"!
following in the village. Itschurch, priest's home, convent, parish,
hall and school are fine, well -kept buildings.
The German M. E.: Church was founded in 1874.
The first attempt at merchandising was In 1842 when David Butter-
field opened a small store.
The American House, the firpt hotel, was built in 1850 by Mr.
erWick Mr. WM. Angell built a hotel in 1850.. The secona floor of
:Uve :store nexti door to thdbehotel was used. as-4Cdance hell and there
an ea0100ed bridge built over the street from hail to hotel so the
could walk across th the ifo hotel for supper. Some 'of t
lagers said that when that old bridge was removed, it meant
Coryl Moran
April 17, 1936
331
8
Butter, -25i a lb.
Pork and Hams -120 a lb:
0,
-71
Beef, -100 a.lb.
Miss ualoney
Sun Prairie, Wisc.
On some of the old dance invitations printed in 1853, the
management stated that "Floor Managers will be selected from the
flobr." "Tickets including dance, supper and horse -keeping,
---$2.00."
Josiah Pale of New York City donated 13 acres of land to Sun
Prairie for a cemetery. The Sun Prairie Association was formed
in July, 1850. The wife ,of George Pine was the first to be buried
there.
The first newspaper printed was called the "Enterprise".
Dake and Smith were the publishers. The -first copy was edited
in186&. According to this paper, there were two trains daily,
one leaving at 5:45 A.M. and arriving at 9:45 P.M. Farm product
prices were quoted:---.Eggs,-10$"
g' The first edition of the Oountryman was published 6n December,
cn 1877
a
S3
;43 It seems very appropriate that the site of the home. of thy
-1
0
first white settler and the place where the -first village,election
i co was7.held'ishould•-bi given to Sun Prairie for a Library and Community
2
Housei
MisEvMaloncy_haw-coPie*of the early newspaper of Sun
Aptira4;.., May 22nC. and:June'20th.-, 1888'. In these papers are