By Dianne Ruud
Continuing on, at least 60 years ago, as my siblings and I made our way to school from the south hill neighborhood, we passed by the old Preston Episcopal Methodist Church. It stood on the corner right across from the Preston Library. I wish the photo was in color as those stained glass windows must have been gorgeous! Sometimes we walked closer and looked up at all of those steps, they always seemed so high, when I was just a little kid! The charming little house next to it was perhaps the parsonage, maybe?? There’s no date on the back of the postcard but I would guess the picture was done in the early to mid-1800s.
Rev. Hawke, who served as the preacher there from 1894 – 1897, wrote an early history of the church: “It appears the first Methodist preacher who found his way here was Benjamin Crist, a member of the Wisconsin Conference. In the spring of 1854 Rev. Thomas Hackney, a Methodist minister from Indiana, preached in the home of Edwin Pickett and in 1854 Rev. John Dyer held services in the home of David Pickett. As early as 1852, Mr. Martin Kingsbury, from Boonville, N.Y., (he was my great-uncle), organized a Sunday School at the home of Sylvester Benson. On the seventh day of October, 1855, Rev. J. L. Dyer preached his first sermon in Waukokee, Fillmore County. In August 1856, Bishop Simpson appointed Rev. Dyer to the Preston Circuit. There is no record as to what territory the circuit included, but we believe Rev. Dyer had his home in Lenora.”
The small church was in use until the new Preston United Methodist Church was completed in 1967. I have only one memory of being in the sanctuary of the church. My Brownie Scout troop met there once. Evidently our leader was a member of the church, and we obviously needed a place to meet that day. However, I can describe the downstairs because that is where I attended 1/2 day-kindergarten! My teacher was Mrs. Margaret Murray, a sweet, soft-spoken, lady, the wife of the late Judge George Murray. We entered the building from that outside attached entryway. I recall the dark, oak floor.
Each spring the ladies of that church hosted an event known as “Boom Town.” Because of the large number of folks attending, it was held in the Preston Town Hall, which adjoined the south side of the Preston Library. The ladies created wonderful things for the bazaar. One of my favorites was their handmade May baskets. Back in those days, milk was sold in wax-coated cartons. They cut the container down to approximately 4 inches tall. To that they would glue colored crepe paper, which had been gathered and stitched, to the edge of the carton. They added trim, other decorations, and attached a handle made out of pipe cleaners! And wallah, a May basket emerged!
When May Day arrived, we hurried home from school to assemble the baskets! My mother prepared the popcorn and we did the rest – adding candy on top of the popcorn! Task completed, we grabbed our baskets and away we went! We placed one on the doorstep of a friend, knocked on the door, and then ran as fast as we could to the next house. Our hope was to outrun the person chasing us because if they caught us, the custom was that they were supposed to try to give you a kiss. I don’t really recall that happening, it was much more about being surprised when we’d hear a knock on the door, nobody would be standing there, but beautifully decorated May baskets filled with treats would be!
“Boom Town” also featured a “Fish Pond” for kids and they could “fish” for a surprise! Of course, delicious food was also served!
I’m not sure why the event was named “Boom Town.” During the mid 1840s when the California Gold Rush was occurring, the small towns that popped up in various locations once gold was discovered were referred to as,“Boom Towns.” Perhaps the ladies’ group considered their beautiful handmade objects to be “as good as gold!” One thing is true, my siblings and I sure thought the May baskets were!
Next week, as we make our way toward the old Preston Elementary School, we’ll pass by the Preston Presbyterian Church and the German Lutheran Church.
A fascinating story awaits you, so please, stay tuned!
Susan lawrence schneider says
I grew up in Preston while visiting every school break and summer staying with my grandparents Elmer and Aurelia thompson. They lived on the south Hill up from where the swimming pool is now. I graduated from high school there after my mom Elinor (Tony) Thompson Lawrence passed away. So Preston has always been home. I remember going to church with my grandma at the old Methodist church (Eub church) across from where the library is now. I think this is a picture of the church. I remember that side entrance I think went to the basement. I can still see the inside of the church in my memories. Sad to say that is one of few memories I have of my grandma Aurelia. Also my uncle Edward ( bud) Thompson was a master carpenter on the new Methodist church that was built. My family goes back 5 generations in Preston and I try to keep the stories and memories going for the rest of my family.
Dana L Gartner says
Growing up in Preston was a wonderful experience, and that beautiful town on the Root River will always remain dear to my heart. Although I and my family were members of Grace Lutheran Church on the hill, I loved reading about the Methodist Church where I played the organ for my friend, Jane Hovelson’s, wedding. Too, I loved reading the names “Margaret and Judge George Murray,” who, with their children Bill and Kathy, were family friends.
It was an ecumenical town. As teenagers, we often attended churches of our friends, especially during Easter, Christmas and for other special services. I remember waiting on the steps of the Catholic Church for my friend to finish confession and even gave up whatever it was that she gave up during Lent. The ecumenism I experienced there was a lovely gift to my life.