Wayner Johnson
marshal. The first two appointees to that position declined to serve, and a third marshal, A. F. Brackeney, held the post from April 14th until December 5th of 1892. The council declared the office of town marshal vacant on that day and appointed Wayner Johnson as marshal. Mr. Johnson was a Negro, and in his blue uniform, brass buttons, police badge, cap and club, he was reported to be quite an imposing figure, and extremely proud of his position.
Johnson apparently resigned the following March 22, however, as council minutes report the office of marshal was again declared vacant. It was about that time that a report was made of the demolishment of a Roland saloon. W. G, Allen's History of Story County, Iowa, dateline of April 3, 1893, reports: "Last Saturday night week about thirty men, after drinking freely in . . . . . 's saloon, turned crusaders and destroyed his entire stock. Tobacco and cigars were scattered about the room and the floor flooded with beer. The men agreed that the saloon was doing them harm and were determined to do away with it. Mr. . . . . began business here the 21st inst, in a building he had formerly used for dry goods and groceries. This he did against the wishes of many citizens. Two men, it is reported, remained with him over Thursday night, being too drunk to return home. "
The first fire department was named May 9, 1893, with Carl Olson appointed fire marshal. Other members were A. A. Thompson and S. J. Michaelson.
As Roland continued to thrive and grow, many business changes took place, and new businesses were established to take care of the community's needs. These changes, of course, are too numerous to mention. Many of the old businesses and landmarks have long since disappeared, including these mentioned below.
The ''Old Town Pump'', located south across the street from the present Roland State Bank, passed out of existence in September 1920. The well, dug about 1890, was 40 feet deep, and was later drilled 110 feet deeper. The pump, with its special type of double pump handles, was for years the only fire apparatus the town had besides the hand-pulled hose cart.
A wooden jail was built about 1901 on the site one block west of the present bank, and was later moved to a location near the present water tower. The building was sold to Abel J. Helvig and moved to his farm in December 1931.
The Paul Knudtson blacksmith shop, said to be the oldest building in
10