Most of these come from the 1900-1915 era or the late 40's and mid 50's.
For some time I snarfed up alot of these on eBay. I have a good selection and with very little duplication.
These represent a small portion of the whole, but enjoy.
Benson was known as the City of Flowers and Parks. This is the Roosevelt Park, across from the courthouse. The water fountain is for people, the fish pond is for goldfish and Koi. And at one time, there were fish in the central pond.
c1908
As I have pointed out to many people, The wrought iron fence that wraps the Hoiland House property is still there, as is the house. I rode my bicycle up and down the sidewalk and would take a stick and hold against the fence to make racket. I lived about six doors up the block and across the alley.
c1920's
Note the Laundry service. The Dreamland Theater was an Opera House and dance hall was above the Hardware Store. Later, A young woman named Peterson operated a photography studio above the hardware store where my father and mother had their wedding pictures created.
c1940's
The original location of the Ford garage where my father worked long ago. It later became a bowling alley, then a drug store which burned down and was replaced by a newer drug store.
The original Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Benson was known as the Synod Church. After a few years it burned down and was replaced on that foundation by the Norwegian Lutheran Church. This was torn down in the late fifties and Our Redeemers was built in the southeast corner of town, on the edge of town at that time.
c1929
The "Hotel Paris" that adorned probably the busiest spot in town. Note the traffic light, a delivery truck, a form of curb and gutter, and the fellows standing around discussing the day.
c1910
c1930's
Before the automobile, the Greyhound bus line, or air travel, there was the train. Here is the depot and the original water tower followed by its replacement. Note the workers on top of both.
c1940's
My first home was just beyond and left of these these motel units. They were moved and became the units at Earl's Motel west of town. The huge trees were also removed at some point. I can easily remember bumming a nickel or a dime for a candy bar and run over to Ray Weber's station and purchase a candy bar. The nickel sized bars of the era are somewhere between $0.85 and $1.10 today.
c1914
The original Elementary School. I grew up across the highway from it.
c1965
Dick's Cafe, Pederson's Variety store with side door to allow traffic to the basement where the sporting goods were sold. I purchased 10 cent gliders from the balcony where the toys were. DeMarce Theatre which is still in operation, The the Coast to Coast store.
c1922
I was born in this hospital.
c1917
This was something put up each fall. Made from corn stalks, wheat and alfalfa. I have another postcard with a parade coming through it with the soldiers on horseback. The Colby building is seen thru the arch to the left.
c1912
One of my favorite postcards.
Dear Pal Ost
The ole burg same as ever. Will send you a paper tonight.
Ben
c1910
The Benson Community Band. This is the stage of the Elementary School.
1908
View from the water tower. The Colby building is just beyond the lumber shed and still stands today.
Maybe about 1920's
View from the water tower. The house in the lower left corner was removed so the new Ford Garage could be built on the ground. The next house was where the Svor family lived in the 50's. Across and on the left edge was the house called the "Tin House".
Central is a home that was moved to the east so the Conoco station could be built on that corner. That corner was also where the elementary students would have a Flag Patrol to stop traffic to let students across Highway 29. Next to it were two other homes and followed by the home I grew up in. Not built yet but past the trees.
The Elementary School is just beyond the right edge of the image.
c1912
Views from an elevator beside highway 12. Note the building with a cupola is in both images but created from a different viewpoint.
c1920's
View from the water tower. Courthouse clearly visible. The Colby building has awnings.
Enjoy ...