This Date in History

Did you know that the pontoon boat was invented in Stearns County? It was, right here in Richmond, Minnesota, in 1951! Its inventor was Ambrose Weeres.

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Famed African-American contralto Marian Anderson gives concert in St. Cloud. Anderson is considered one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th Century.

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Here's this morning headlines on WJON:

- Gas prices go higher
- Unemployment rate goes lower
- Sauk Rapids man considers U.S. Senate run
- Trolley may be coming back
- Advice: Think before buying a bunny

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Official papers incorporating the Village of Waite Park were filed at 4:00 pm on March 20, 1893. 25 families were living in Waite Park at the time. The first village council meeting was held on April 17, 1893. Waite Park is named for Henry C. Waite. Waite was originally from New York, where he worked as a lawyer.

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St. Cloud awarded the title of All-American City on April 15th, 1974. The All-American City Award is given by the National Civic League every year to 10 select cities.

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On April 14th, 1886 – Stearns and Benton Counties hit by what is called the deadliest tornado in history of the state. The great tornado of 1886 claimed the lives of 73 Stearns and Benton County residents, wounded many others, destroyed 109 buildings, and caused an estimated $300,000 in damage.

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April 9, 1924 – Myra Dragoo became the first woman elected to the St. Cloud City Council.

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April 7th, 1970 – St. Cloud native Byron Barr (aka: Gig Young) won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1969 film They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?

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ST. CLOUD -- April 2nd, 1856 – The three settlements, Upper Town, Middle Town, and Lower Town, were granted authority by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature to incorporate into the City of St. Cloud in March 1856, and on April 2nd the first town officers were chosen.

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On this date in "Central Minnesota History" abolitionist and women's rights activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton visited St. Cloud. Learn all about her stop here.

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