some miles away for the millstones, etc. The 1878 harvest was the first to be ground at the mill, which was in operation for more than three decades, up to the period when a changing world and a more accessible world made it unnecessary. But as a museum piece the Palkki mill still reminds a later time of the life of the Thomson pioneers .4

The first local post office (named Harney) was on the farm of Mike Sullivan, the first Irishman in this otherwise purely Finnish settlement. After his death the office was moved to Nels Olson's farm on the Midway River. When an RFD route was established in 1904 the Harney office was closed, but when the Canadian Pacific railroad came through here in 1912 and named its local stop Harney, a post office was subsequently (1921) opened here again, in Edward and Emil Juntti's general store, with Edward serving as the postmaster. Later, the Juntti brothers moved their store to Esko, and the post office was closed, 1955.

Finnish Organizations : The first Finnish groupings were apparent in religion, and the first Finns in Thomson were members of the Laestadian faith. Their organized religious activity began in 1877, which saw the start of regular prayer and Bible reading meetings held at various homes in turn. The fact that Isaac Raattamaa settled in this community was of decisive influence, and he was helped by his assistants, especially Peter Esko, who was entrusted with the practical religious functions in the community. Baptisms and burials were carried out by these lay preachers, but they were not given permission to officiate at weddings until 1883, at which time Abraham Mällinen became the official pastor. The presence of this faith, according to Mattinen, was significant in reforming many old drunkards and reprobates and keeping them reformed to the end of their lives.

In 1892 land was procured for a church and cemetery, and the first person to be buried there, that same year, was Fanni Juntti. The church building was completed the following year; it was often remodeled and enlarged and was finally replaced in 1936 with an entirely new building. As an Apostolic Lutheran stronghold, the community has been privileged to be hosts in 1927 and in 1941 for the general conventions of this faith. Other pastors besides Mällinen have included Oscar Sandell, Emil

4. Mattinen, J. A. Thomsonin Maanviljelysseudun Historia. New York Mills, Minn., 1935. pp 58-60. Cf also, Pelkonen, Matt, Cloquet on Parade. Historical Sketch No. 5, given on Radio Station WKLK, Cloquet, Minnesota.

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