Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/665

 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY 583 the past few years planted Virginia creeper around nearly every stone and brick building in Red Wing with the exception of the Episcopal church and the malt house of the Red Wing Malting Company, both of which already had vines in profusion when the crusade was started. To hundreds of people much credit is due for the work of the Civic League, but those who have been most active in the work have probably beeu John H. Rich, Mrs. C. A. Betcher, W. F. Kunze, George H. Cook, Dr. M. V. Smith, the Red Wing Daily Republican and Frances Densmore, the latter of whom has devoted her interest to the ledge on Barn Bluff, which now provides so excellent a spot for picnic parties. The organization is divided into a senior and junior league. The officers are: President, Dr. M. AY. Smith; vice-president, Frances Densmore; secretary, K. A. Hawkanson; treasurer, J. H. Peter- son. An elaborate park system has been planned which will em- brace the present parks of Red Wing, the entire river front as far west as the Red Wing Boat Company property, the island, of which city officials already own a part, and all of Barn Bluff. In former years Barn Bluff was offered to the city as a park by Dr. W. W. Sweney and efforts were made to plant trees and otherwise beautify the spot. People, however, persisted in cut- ting down the planted saplings for whips and in otherwise de- spoiling the place, so after many discouragements, the commit- tee decided not to accept the proffered gift. Colville Park is situated on a neck of land which was formerly a part of the farm of Col. William Colville. It is maintained by the ladies and af- fords an excellent picnic and bathing place. FIRE DEPARTMENT. The present efficient fire department of Red Wing, consisting of a paid department and three volunteer companies, dates from the earliest days. The early settlers considered it a part of their duty to belong to a fire company, even before the days of the bucket brigade and the hand engine. In those times, to hold an office in a fire company in Red Wing was a great honor, and official positions were eagerly sought, being made as much a mat- ter of wire-pulling as the municipal offices. The first fire company organized in this city was in 1858-59, and was called the "Protection Hook and Ladder Company." The first officers were : Chief engineer, Jesse Mclntire ; first as- sistant, R. N. McLaren; second assistant, J. C. Pierce; secretary, T. N. Lee ; treasurer, T. J. Clark. The organization lasted, in name at least, until 1870. On December 6, 1858, "Torrent Engine Company No. 1" was