Old Settler Recalls City History on 87th Birthday

One of Dunn County's "Old settlers," Mrs. Amelia Helsom, widow of Mr. Robert Helsom, former Menomonie councilman, recalled events of many years past when receiving congratulations of friends who visited with her at the Scharlau Nursing Home on Sixth street, on the occasion of her 87th birthday, December 21.

She was born in Germany, in 1866, and was brought to America by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Bile [sic] who settled in the community of Popple Creek, tear Colfax, where her father had secured a homestead. After few years, the family moved to Menomonie, and Mrs. Helsom (then Amelia Bile [sic]) was enrolled as a student at the Coddington school. She was married to Robert Helsom, December 13, 1885, in Menomonie, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Wirau, of the Peace Lutheran church. Two children were born to them, a son, Edwin, and a daughter, Charlotte.

Robert Helsom, deceased, was active in the business life of the City of Menomonie for a period of 35 years. At first he maintained a photographer's studio .n the building now occupied by the Menomonie dry cleaning establishment which was across the street from the Schutte & Quilling General store located on Broadway at that time. Due to his interest in pubic affairs, for which he had a natural aptitude, Mr. Helsom eventually became elected councilman of the City of Menomonie, and also held office as the city treasurer.

Moving from his first studio location, Mr. Helsom established his photography business in the studio on the second floor of the Heller building, at 133½ Main street, where he continued for many years until his health failed and he decided to move to Kalispell, Montana.

The studio business in the Heller Building was then sold to George Belair, who maintained a flourishing business until the time of his retirement; and subsequently the same studio space was occupied by Claude Quarve, who maintained "Quarve Studio" there for 17 years, until Dec. 1, 1951, when the business was moved to a ground floor location on Broadway. next to the Bank of Menomonie.

During the 17 years while Mr. and Mrs. Robert Helsom lived in Kalispell, Mont., they made many friends there. After the death of Mr. Helsom his widow decided to move back to her old home town, Menomonie. She purchased a residence in North Menomonie, where she lived for several years until her health began to fail; five years ago last October she moved to the Scharlau Nursing home, on Sixth street, where she still resides.

Mrs. Amelia Helsom also was member of the Women's Relief Corps for more than 50 years; and is a member of the Dunn County Old Settlers association. Now, at the age of 87 years, Mrs. Helsom is practically blind and unable to walk without assistance, although she is in good health otherwise and is very cheerful. She likes living in the quite [sic] surroundings of the Scharlau Nursing home, on Sixth street.