By Dan Becker Kimball Area Historical Society Saturday, April 14, 2007, my wife Cathy and I arrived at the China village and mountain area where the six Chinese railroad workers (buried at the Old St. Anne’s Cemetery) were from. Our hearts were filled with excitement as God was our guide. We walked into the gate and were drawn to the right. We walked down a hill between trees until we found the lake, located at the base of the mountain. They had small roofed structures built out over the water. We put our belongings on a table and opened things up for a ceremony. We felt God’s presence. The structure was empty, the water was calm, the sun was sparkling on the lake, birds were flying and only the sounds of pure nature filled the air. My wife stood in belief that she was surrounded by angels. No picture could capture the beauty that filled our eyes. It was a complete natural high, far beyond what any drug could offer. On the table, we laid out the pictures, as well as six lost railroad spikes taken from Old St. Anne’s Pass. These six spikes represented each of the six men. We said a prayer that repeated much of what we learned along the way from strangers. These strangers became our friends. Our prayer at the Pearl Ceremony in China … “God has guided us to this distant place in search of resolutions for pain and sadness. We also celebrate strength and success. Many years ago, families left this area seeking a better life. After the long journey to Hong Kong, women were sold as laborers in order for the men to afford the ship ride to America. Many elders died along the way to America with a burial at sea. The younger men worked hard and eventually sent home enough money to buy back the entire village of women. The men that returned with the money helped the women on the long journey back to this place. Not all survived the journey. However, there was enough extra money for each family to make a fresh start as they waited for the men to return. For many years there was a shortage of men here due to most never making it back from America. To the family of six Qujing Crew members, we hae a message. Your men worked very hard. They were honest, reliable and wise. They died with dignity and were given a proper burial, based on our faith. It was an honor for those that cared for them as they died, and it is an honor for us to stand here today. To the Qujing Crew, we pray for you and hope that you are home. We thank you for your service in building the American railroads. May there always be peace and solidarity between two great nations.” We engaged in a long moment of silence that was filled with God’s nature. After our ceremony, we rolled up the spikes and gave all the items to a park staff member. We then hiked up to the top of the mountain. The view was so breathtaking it stopped our hearts. We left China knowing what we witnessed was truly a miracle, and we felt blessed to have experienced it … The Kimball area is filled with mysteries. Some to be told, and others better left behind. Uncovering the mysteries behind the “Oriental Railroad Workers” was one that needed to be told. On behalf of my wife, Cathy, and myself, we humbly thank all the souls in and around Kimball for this great opportunity. ********** Kimball Area Historical Society member Dan Becker didn’t waste any time completing his vision about the mysteries surrounding the earliest history of the old St. Anne’s cemetery and church, including the Chinese railroad workers buried there. It is doubtful we ever would have acquired this history, if it wasn’t for Dan’s pursuit. Hopefully, you’ve read all four parts of his experiences, and you will also make time to re-visit them during Kimball Days history exhibit, where other new acquisitions will also be featured. Such treasures are always kept safe and shared with the community. ********** How the historic city hall came to be … Since its construction in 1908, the signature of Kimball has been the historic and beautiful city hall building. As the only building in Kimball on the National Register of Historic Places, it stands steadfast, as it was originally built, for every resident and traveler to see over the past century, as they pass through Kimball. The building is still viable and useful, but it is in need of windows and tuck pointing, a process of remortaring the bricks to keep moisture out and to prevent further damage. ********** The mission of The Kimball Area Historical Society is to preserve the heritage and history of Kimball, with an emphasis on the preservation and restoration of the historic city hall. The society has the goal of acquiring and cataloging history and artifacts that tell the story of Kimball and surrounding communities. Your help is necessary for this project to continue to move forward. Matching funds have already been received from the Minnesota Historical Society to match funds raised locally for phases one and two. The Minnesota Legislature earmarks such funds for historical preservation. Much funding has been provided by area businesses, various grants and some large single gifts. Most of the donors are individuals, like you, with amount both large and small. Please make your gift or pledge now for phase three. Whatever the size of your gift, it will be doubled with state historical preservation dollars. Donor plaques are planned. Please pay or pledge by June 30 to meet our phase three grant application July deadline. You may defer any pledge payment you promise until the end of the year, and it still counts toward the grant. ********** For more information about the City Hall Fund, souvenirs, membership or other topics, contact The Kimball Historical Society, Box 100, Kimball, Minn. 55353 or phone (320) 398-5743, (320) 398-5250 or (800) 252-2521. ********** “Celebrating our past, inspiring our future”
