History
History of Evergreen- Township
In 1880 there were about 5 million board feet of standing pine. During the winters of 1882-1883 approximately 4 million board feet of logs were cut in the area. These logs were hauled on heavy sleds and unloaded on the banks of the Toad River, where they were floated down the Toad, Ottertail River and Red River to Winnipeg. The drive down the river took about 115 days.
During the years of 1886-1887 about 20 families settled in this township. On January 4, 1888, the board of County Commissioners organized the township and named it Evergreen because of the abundance of evergreen trees in the area. The first board meetings were held in the homes of the officers. In 1913 the meetings were held in the Hall and in 1921 Supervisors meetings were held at the bank. In the 1920’s the Village of Evergreen had a Black Smith Shop, a bank, a creamery, a butter makers house, Dimonds store, a dance hall and the Kretzcshmar & Anderson Store. In 1978 Evergreen Garage was started by Keith & Betty Janke and is the only remaining business in what used to be the Village of Evergreen.
In 1894 the Hinckley Fire went through the area and burned many of the trees in the township. This made for easy clearing and the settlers moved in freely. This led to more farming being a way of life.
Evergreen had 4 school districts in the late 1880’s-early 1900’s, district 58, 53-2, 84 and 53-1. During that time there were 2 grades of teachers. The 1st grade were teachers with high school and possibly 1 year of further education and 2nd grade were teachers with 4 years of higher education. Teachers received $15.00 per month and board.
St.Paul’s Lutheran Church of Evergreen was founded in 1899 and the original services were held in a log school house. In 1902-1903 a church was built at the corner of Hwy 87 and County Road 39 south. This church was used until 1911 a new church was built on the corner of Hwy 87 and County Road 39 North. This church stood until 1990 when a new church was built just to the north of the existing church.
Though the Village of Evergreen has changed drastically since it was originally organized in 1888, it still has many descendants from the original settlers living within its boundaries and calling Evergreen home.
Supervisor History
Treasurer & Clerk History