Witness to History: 1914
This month is 1914, Greyhound Lines, Inc. began in Hibbing, MN. The first route transported iron ore miners between Hibbing and Alice, MN for 15 cents That same year, Harrison L. Schmitt, the founder of what would become Farrish Johnson Law Office, served as president of the Minnesota Bar Association. Greyhound Lines, Inc. Using a 7-passenger car, Carl Eric Wickman, a Swedish immigrant, began a bus service with Andy Anderson and C.A.A. Heed, transporting iron ore minors in Minnesota. The company got its first actual buses in 1921; they were grey and people started calling them greyhounds. It would take... Read More
Witness to History: 1984
This week in 1984, the Louisiana World Exposition, a World’s Fair, opened in New Orleans, Louisiana. There has not been another World’s Fair in the United States since the exposition in New Orleans. Also in 1984, Will Partridge was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Louisiana World Exposition The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition opened on Saturday, May 12 and closed on Sunday, November 11, 1984. Its theme was “The World of Rivers—Fresh Waters as a Source of Life.” The Fair was held along the Mississippi River front near the New Orleans Central Business District. It... Read More
Witness to History: 1990
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and guarantees that they have the same opportunities as everyone else. Also in 1990, Terri Stoneburner, who began working with the firm in 1979, was appointed District Court Judge in the Fifth Judicial District. Americans with Disability Act The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to... Read More
Witness to History: 2000
In 2000, camera phones were first introduced and sold to consumers around the world. Also in 2000, Scott Kelly was first selected for inclusion on the Minnesota Super Lawyers list. This prestigious honor, which he has received every year since, recognizes the top five percent of all lawyers in Minnesota. Camera Phones The first cell phone with a built-in camera was manufactured by Samsung and released in South Korea in June 2000. It was capable of taking 20 photos at a 0.35-megapixel resolution but it had to be hooked up to a computer to access the photos. In November of... Read More
Witness to History: 1961
In 1961, Franklin Rogers Park, home field of the Mankato Moondogs and Mankato West High School, was built. That same year, Robert G. Johnson joined the firm and became one of its namesakes. During his career, Johnson distinguished himself in the areas of medical and legal malpractice defense. Franklin Rogers Park Franklin Rogers Park, originally Key City Park, opened in 1961 at 601 Reed Street, in Mankato. Franklin Rogers served as sports editor and later as The Free Press’ editor and vice president. Rogers was also an active civic leader; in 1964 Governor Karl Rolvaag appointed him head of a... Read More
Witness to History: 1900
In 1900, Kodak introduced the first Brownie camera, which brought the hobby of photography within financial reach of consumers. The camera sold for $1 and film was 15 cents a roll. Also in 1900, J.W. Schmitt joined the practice that would become Farrish Johnson Law Office. Kodak Brownie Camera Introduced in February of 1900 by Eastman Kodak, the Brownie camera provided low-cost photography to the people. It was produced so inexpensively that anyone, not just professional or wealthy individuals, could own one. For less than $2, anyone could buy the Brownie, a roll of film, and get it processed. It... Read More
Witness to History: 1975
In 1975, Glen Taylor purchased Carlson Wedding Service, the foundation for what would become Taylor Corporation. Also in that year, Dave Salsbery joined the firm that is now Farrish Johnson Law Office. Taylor Corporation Carlson Wedding Service owner, Bill Carlson, decided to sell the company in preparation for retirement. Glen Taylor had worked with Carlson since 1959 and purchased the business. He founded Taylor Corporation in 1975. Taylor Corporation produces interactive print and marketing solutions and is comprised of more than 80 subsidiaries and employs more than 12,000 people across 25 states, Puerto Rico, and nine foreign countries. Mankato Taylor... Read More
Witness to History: 1974
This month in 1974, the majority of Arab oil-producing nations ended their embargo against the United States, marking the end of the 1973 oil crisis. This crisis led to the enactment of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards by Congress in 1975. Also in 1974, Miles Zimmerman, who has worked with the firm since 1952, was appointed District Court Judge of Blue Earth County. End of Oil Embargo The Arab-dominated Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) announced a decision to cut oil exports to the United States and other nations that provided military aid to Israel in the Yom... Read More
Witness to History: 2016
This week in 2016, President Barack Obama became the first US President to visit Cuba since 1928. In that same year, Joseph Gangi was first selected for inclusion on the Minnesota Rising Stars list published by Super Lawyers®, a Thomas Reuters business. Gangi also received this honor in 2017. President Obama visits Cuba On March 21, 2016 President Obama landed in Cuba for a meeting with Cuban President Raúl Castro, becoming the first U.S. president to visit Cuba since 1928. The historic three-day visit included a tour of Old Havana, taking in a baseball game with Raúl Castro, and delivering... Read More
Witness to History: 1945
In 1945, Maud Hart Lovelace published the fifth book in the beloved “Betsy-Tacy” series, “Heaven to Betsy”. Also in 1945, Robert J. Sheran joined the firm. He went on to become one of the most influential lawyers in the history of the state. Betsy-Tacy Series by Maud Lovelace Maud Hart Lovelace was born in Mankato in 1892. A writer and poet from an early age, she published her first short story in the Los Angeles Times at age nineteen. She kept diaries and scrapbooks of her childhood adventures with family and friends and these records would become the basis for... Read More