From the archives: “EXTRA!! Bemidji Wins the Sixth Normal School by Unanimous Vote”

This story originally ran in the July 15, 1913, edition of the Bemidji Daily Pioneer newspaper. This landmark announcement solidified Bemidji as the site for Minnesota's newest normal school, which has now evolved into Bemidji State University.

"Bemidji Wins the Normal School,” was the message sent over the wire to this city, at three-thirty. Practically all the telephones were down and it was impossible to get word direct from the capitol building. The message was sent by relay and came direct from the governor’s office. Nothing could be learned as to the vote before going to press, but the information that Bemidji won was enough.

A. P. Ritchie was present when the message was received and immediately went out on the streets shouting out the good news to the people. The fire whistle was set to blowing in order to bring the glad tidings to the people throughout the city.

Ever since eleven o’clock this morning, the normal school reports of various natures, some to the effect that Thief River Falls had been selected, another that Cass Lake had been chosen and still another that the first vote stood two for Bemidji, two Thief River Falls and one for Cass Lake, were current.

At noon the Pioneer was in communication with the Capitol and it was learned that the commission was still in session and that no decision had been reached. George Authier, private secretary to Governor Eberhardt stated over the telephone at one o’clock that the matter was still under consideration and that he would send the results as soon as determined.

As the news reached Bemidji and first announcement of it made by the Pioneer the town almost went wild. The fire whistle was blown and both whistles of the lumber company mills were set off and continued to blow for almost an hour. Automobiles paraded the streets tooting their horns and shouts of joy from boys and men were heard everywhere.

The fire bell was clanging and together with the firecrackers and other explosives Bemidji celebrated one of the greatest events in its history.

A procession of automobiles loaded with enthusiasts was quickly formed and crowded the streets of the city, taking entire possession of every available thoroughfare. The Reynolds and Winter’s car loaded with Prof. Dyer, A. P. Ritchie, F. S. Arnold and others who were active in securing the school, led the big parade.

To say that all acted like a lot of “crazy hoodlums” is putting it mildly. Boys formed in line with tin pans and sticks and all in all the town presented one of the wildest scenes ever known in its history.