Writer: Charles Luedloff, of Dahlgren Township

When: 1888

What: Luedloff argues that replanting forests will help cool the climate.

Published: “Annual Report of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society for the year 1888.”

Author: Local justices of the peace

Published: In court dockets, from the 1880s through the early 20th century, held in the Chaska Historical Society’s collection.

What? In Carver County’s early history, justices of the peace served at the local level, handling civil and criminal cases involving less than $100. They issued warrants, performed marriages and authenticated documents. In some instances, they would determine whether there was probable cause to send a case to a grand jury. Justices of the peace were later replaced by municipal courts and by the 1980s, the district courts began handling all cases.

Wrapping it up: This is the final of four Chaska Obscura columns featuring probate court notes.

Each week we publish a detail of a local building. The next week we indentify the building, along with a detail of a different building. Do you know where the heck this is? Post your answer; e-mail [email protected]; or call (952) 345-6574.

It’s always great to get feedback on Chaska Obscura items.

Last week, Mary Goetze, of Chanhassen called about the featured photo in the print edition of the Herald (pictured above). That little guy in front at right – Martin Schlenk, is Goetze’s father.

Writers: Elmer Kelm, a Chanhassen banker; and Congressman Elmer Ryan

Year: 1940

Elmer KelmPublished: Speech to be delivered on WTCN radio. This address is in Elmer Ryan’s files, held at the Minnesota Historical Society. It is unknown if this was the final version that was broadcast.

What: This was apparently Kelm’s introductory speech as chairman of the Democratic Party in Minnesota, largely ghost-written by Congressman Elmer Ryan. The speech served as a rallying cry to unite the Democratic Party and fire a warning shot across the bow of the Farmer-Labor party. The Farmer-Labor party had long dominated state politics and relegated the Democrats to third-party status in Minnesota, even though the Democrats controlled the White House. As chair, Kelm and future Vice President Hubert Humphrey lobbied to merge the Democratic and Farmer-Labor Party in 1944 to form the DFL that has since played a major role in Minnesota politics.

More info: For a profile on Elmer Kelm, click here.

Each week we publish a detail of a local building. The next week we indentify the building, along with a detail of a different building. Do you know where the heck this is? Post your answer; e-mail [email protected]; or call (952) 345-6574.

A Herald ad from 1877, when Fritz Schuetz came to town.

Who was Fritz Schuetz? A German intellectual who moved to Carver in 1877. Schuetz, who penned at least a couple books while in Carver, raised the ire of some townsfolk while living in town.

He ultimately moved to New Ulm, where he died in 1888, after contracting a severe cold, combined with asthma. “Impressive services were held in his honor at Turner Hall,” stated the “New Ulm Review. He left behind a wife and five children.

Each week we publish a detail of a local building. The next week we indentify the building, along with a detail of a different building. Do you know where the heck this is? Post your answer; e-mail [email protected]; or call (952) 345-6574.

Ole PaulsonAuthor: The Rev. Ole Paulson

Translated by: Judge A.G. W. Anderson

What: Paulson recounts the early years (meaning the early, early years) of Carver, including his experiences homesteading farmland and serving in the Army during the Dakota Conflict.