Histories: Trempealeau Co. Historical Accounts:
"Trempealeau County" by Clarence J. Gamroth:
Volume 1A:
Communities: Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock, 1948
The town of Chimney Rock got its name from a big rock formed like a chimney which stands on a high hill on the Alfred Blom farm.
The first settlers went through many hardships. There were no roads, only tracts through the woods and brush.
The first homes were dugouts. In other words just a hole in the ground. Later log houses, with sod were built. The floor was of dirt. Many snakes abounded around the houses and sometimes crawled inside.
On the farm now owned by Rudolf Olson, there used to be Indians. They lived in the wood and were usually afraid of people. They sold baskets and beads. Many times they begged for flour and other food.
Religious services (Lutheran) were held in peoples homes. In 1876, the first church was built in Chimney Rock. In 1907, a larger church was built. It burned down in 1935. A new church was completed in 1936.
The main highway was the road that goes past Rudolf Olson. The stage coach came through 3 times per week carrying passengers and mail. It traveled between Whitehall and Eau Claire. A post office was on the place where Clarence Winberg now lives. Later the post office was moved to Chimney Rock store, near the Lutheran church.
"Trempealeau County" by Clarence J. Gamroth:
Volume 1A:
Communities: Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock, 1948
The town of Chimney Rock got its name from a big rock formed like a chimney which stands on a high hill on the Alfred Blom farm.
The first settlers went through many hardships. There were no roads, only tracts through the woods and brush.
The first homes were dugouts. In other words just a hole in the ground. Later log houses, with sod were built. The floor was of dirt. Many snakes abounded around the houses and sometimes crawled inside.
On the farm now owned by Rudolf Olson, there used to be Indians. They lived in the wood and were usually afraid of people. They sold baskets and beads. Many times they begged for flour and other food.
Religious services (Lutheran) were held in peoples homes. In 1876, the first church was built in Chimney Rock. In 1907, a larger church was built. It burned down in 1935. A new church was completed in 1936.
The main highway was the road that goes past Rudolf Olson. The stage coach came through 3 times per week carrying passengers and mail. It traveled between Whitehall and Eau Claire. A post office was on the place where Clarence Winberg now lives. Later the post office was moved to Chimney Rock store, near the Lutheran church.