The building of Sandstone is coeval
with the quarry. At first it was two tents, then a log boarding camp
and hovels, and a few scattered buildings near the spring in the
ravine south of the quarry. Only one family remained over the summer
of 1886, the remainder having removed to Sandstone Junction. With
the completion of the Kettle river railroad, people connected with
the quarry built houses and brought their families here. A post
office was established in January, 1887, and W. H. Grant, Jr., was
commissioned postmaster. In May following, the townsite of the old
town was platted by the Sandstone Townsite Company, numerous lots
were sold and building progressed rapidly. The building of the
Eastern railway of Minnesota in 1888, for several months, made
Sandstone by far the liveliest town in the county. A fine system of
water works were constructed, two commodious hotels opened, and many
business and houses were added to the already prosperous town. In
February 1889, the village was incorporated and its officers elected.
On the day of the annual election William H. Grant, Jr., was elected
president of the village council, and his successors have been as
follows: Michael Ring, Albert L. Glasow, J. E. Erickson, Christ
Heisler, Jr., Peter Peterson, F. L. Dennie, Angus Gunn, H. P. Webb.
In 1890 the population was 517; 1895, 1054; 1899, 1800. In October,
1894, the plat of Sandstone Quarries was filed by the Minneapolis
Trust Company, and then commenced the rebuilding of Sandstone.
Sandstone's Gift
Souvenir...c. 1899
While this photo is not original to the Sandstone Gift Souvenir, it was taken not long afterward and shows a very similar scene.
