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The first settlement in Fletcher was made by
Robert Throssel and son, in the spring of 1867. They were followed by
Joseph Parkinson, Noah Borah, Wm. Johnston, Thomas Widdicor, and
Geo. Trainer, who settled on the east and south of the lake. W. A
Robinson came in the year 1869, and settled on a farm three miles
from the present town site. This town was laid out by J.C. Fletcher,
in 1880. The town was named after him. The first house on the town
site was moved from Wall Lake by W. H. Robinson in the fall of 1880.
J. E. Fletcher and Harry Seevers opened the first store in Fletcher.
Then followed C. E. Gard and A. J. Thompson. W. H. Robinson erected
the first elevator in 1881. J.P. Therkleson opened a hardware store
in 1881. The town of Fletcher is situated
in Wall Lake Township, Section 33, and located on the west side of
Wall Lake. This beautiful, placid sheet of water is about three
miles in length, and one-fourth mile in width. It is said to have
derived its name from the fact that the surrounding country is much
lower than the surface of the Lake, which is surrounded by a wall of
earth and gravel about four feet above the surface of the water.
This Lake, in its onward course, does not extend in a direct line,
but in such a manner as to form a kind of a horse-shoe shape. The
water is as clear as crystal, and abounds in fish of different
kinds, and is a most beautiful sight to behold. This location will,
in no far distant future, become a beautiful summer resort.
The railroad was completed to this point
in the fall of 1879. The depot was erected in the fall of 1880.
The first hotel was opened by W. H.
Robinson in 1880, and was mown as the Lake House. The first lumber
yard was opened by H. L. Briggs. The first postmaster was W. A.
Robinson, who was appointed in December, 1880. He is also the
present postmaster.
The population of the
town is now estimated at 300. This town contains: Three general
stores, two hardware, one furniture, one lumber yard, one meat
market, one hotel, two saloons, one barber, two elevators, two
agricultural implement warehouses, two blacksmith shops, one wagon
shop, one livery stable, one drug store, one boot and shoe store,
one restaurant. There is no regular organized religious sect in this
place. The Baptists hold meetings every Sabbath; W. N. McKendrick
serves in the capacity of pastor. This society contemplate building
a church this spring, when it is hoped they will have a regular
organization.
Fletcher School-A
School of twenty-four pupils, with Miss Anna Searle as teacher, is
held in Fletcher. There is no school building. |
