Hazel A. Forcier married Harry Schilb on August 29, 1931 in Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minnesota.

New Car at Model Market

      Mrs. Harry Schilb, 523 South Fifth street, Brainerd, is the proud owner of a new car, given away last night by Schaefer's Model Market as part of an entirely local promotion program.
      Mrs. Schilb's. winning entry was drawn out of a huge bucket by Deanna Presttun, Miss Brainerd of 1957.
      Acting as master of ceremonies for the event was Al Leighton, who had also presided over the Miss Brainerd pageant held here Friday evening, when blonde, blue-eyed Miss Presttun was named to represent the city in the Miss Minnesota contest.
      Mrs. Schilb was not present when the winning ticket was drawn, but was called by phone and picked up the car immediately afterward.
      A crowd estimated at 75 persons witnessed the drawing, all hoping that their names would be drawn from thhe large tank which held all the blanks filled out during the event, which marked Schaefer's anniversary.
      Miss Presttun was dressed in a white gown, which is part of the wardrobe she won as part of the Miss Brainerd title. She also received a $250 scholarship donated by Brainerd merchants and businessmen.
      The contest here was sponsored by the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce, and is a prelude to the Jaycee sponsored Miss Minnesota competition to be held May 10-12 in Albert Lea. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 April 1957, p. 3)

Many Seniors Determined to Get by On Own

      Typical of many of the city's senior citizens is Hazel Schilb, 67. Her husband, Harry, died in 1973, and she makes her way on his pension from the railroad and a job helping out a newspaper carrier.
      She was asked if she had ever considered moving to the North Star Apartments, a low-cost apartment complex designed to ease the financial strain of many elderly citizens.
      Her answer echoes the feelings of many senior citizens who have chosen to live alone.
      "I used to tell my hubby that I'm just like a cowboy; I don't like to be fenced in. I like to go outside and putter around, pull a weed or something. Of course, someday maybe I'll have to (move to the high rise). I hope not."
      Independence for Mrs. Schilb means sawing up four cords of wood each summer to keep her wood-burning cookstove going during the winter. She has had the stove since 1933, and has no intention of trading it in for an electric range.
      "I still love my cookstove. I wouldn't part with it. That's all I've ever cooked on," she said. "That's one reason why I'm living here. I couldn't find an apartment where I could have a wood stove."
      She is an old hand at keeping the stove supplied with wood. "I have split wood since I was 17 and I've sawed wood for 30 years," she said. "I use my dad's old-fashioned buck saw, and I use a double-bitted axe. For a woman, I think I'm pretty good; I haven't broke an axe handle yet."
      Her housework and her job assisting a newspaper carrier, which takes her on an 85-mile ride every day except Saturday, keeps her busy.
      "I go to church, but that's all. In fact, I'm not much for parties. I figure I've go other things more important to do," she said.
      Like the other four women interviewed, Mrs. Schilb has had to adjust to the loss of her husband, a difficult, and at times, lonely, world to live in after 40 years of married life.
      Her husband died after a long illness with diabetes, a disease which took both his legs during the mid-1950s. She said that she used to watch over him until the early morning hours, sitting in a chair by his bed making small rugs to pass the time.
      "When you take care of them like a baby, you can't forget," she said. "I still miss my hubby. Sometimes when I'm sitting here at night and making rugs, I'll think of him and get a little blue."
      Mrs. Schilb has found a simple, little-used way of staying out of debt. She doesn't buy anything that she hasn't got the cash — in hand — to pay for.
      I don't like credit. If I don't have the money to pay for something, I let it go until I can pay for it. That's the way my hubby was too.
      "Of course, we had to go into debt for the stove, because it was the depression, and he was only working five days a month. But we made it. I always say, where there's a will, there is a way, if you try."
      Her future plans? "I'm going to stay here and live the same old way. As long as my health stays good, I'm gonna stay right here." (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30,November 1976, p. 1)

                        House Fire

      The Brainerd Fire Department responded at 6:10 p. m. Saturday to a structure fire at 523 S. 5th St. The fire at Hazel Schilb's house started in the chimney and spread to the attic causing $40,000 in damage. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1993, p. 2A, c's. 3 & 4) [Courtesy Brian Marsh, CWCHS]

            Will Hazel Lose Her Home?

           Enforcing Zoning Ordinance
              Means Difficult Decision

      Stuck between a rock and a hard place, the Brainerd City Council is faced with deciding whether to enforce its zoning ordinance and in turn make a Brainerd woman lose her home.
      The other options of the city council are contrary to current city ordinances and could set a precedent nightmare. Throw in the fact that 1994 is an election year and you have the ingredients for a controversial, political issue together with compassionate concerns for an elderly Brainerd woman.
      The dilemma involves the Christmas Day fire at the home of Hazel Schilb, 523 S. Fifth St.
      The 84-year-old woman often seen chopping wood outside her residence wants to repair and remodel the building so she can return home—a place she has lived in for more that 50 years. The house has been in Schilb's family for about 150 years. The original structure was built in 1868.
      But her property is a non-conforming use within a commercial zone. Because of the fire damage, the zoning issue is whether she can legally rebuild.
      The Brainerd zoning ordinance states "a non-conforming structure which is damaged by any cause to the extent of more than 50 percent of (the structure's) market value as determined by the current records of the county assessor, shall not be restored except in conformity with the regulations of this ordinance."
      According to the county records, the market value of the Schilb home is recorded as $8,900, half of which would be $4,450.
      The fire, which started in the chimney and spread to the attic, is believed to have caused about $40,000 damage.
      The other options of the Brainerd City Council to allow Schilb to return to her home are to rezone her property from commercial to residential creating a spot-zone situation, to amend the city zoning ordinance or to continue the non-conformance status contrary to the ordinance until such time as Schilb no longer lives on the property, said Brainerd City Planner Al Cottingham.
      "I want the best for Hazel but I'd hate to see a lot of dollars put into the property if it's not going to be worth it," said All Cottingham, City Planner. "From a planning perspective for the area, I think it would be better for the area if the site was brought into conformance, that area is an area that's growing. From my standpoint, I hate to kick anyone out of their house. But when the house is as far gone as it is, are you really kicking someone out?"
      Because of the amount of remodeling required at the site, a new structure essentially would be built, Cottingham said.
      Tom Louden, Schilb's neighbor who has provided an apartment for Schilb until this matter is resolved, is leading the campaign to allow Schilb to return home.
      He briefly addressed the Brainerd City Council on Monday about this issue. The city council is expected to discuss this matter again at its Feb. 22 meeting.
      City officials have been meeting with representatives of Schilb trying to reach a mutual agreement.
      Schilb said Wednesday she wants to return home if the city will allow her. "We're planning on rebuilding," she said.
      The night of the fire, Schilb said, she was awakened by Holiday Station Store employees and was able to escape. "I'm kind of blue you know," she said of the ordeal.
      Louden said Wednesday they hope to rebuild Schilb's home into a rambler connected to the garage, which would be renovated into a craft room.
      To kick someone off their land is not what America's about, Louden said. "It's a crime to take someone away from her place."
      She needs help to get back in her home, Louden said of Schilb. "I won't give up on this one. I don't give a damn about this community anymore. Where is the compassion in this?" (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 1994, p. 1A, c's. 2-5, p. 2A, c's. 3-6) [Courtesy Brian Marsh, CWCHS]

                Council Bends Rules to
                Let Hazel Return Home

      It's home sweet home for Hazel Schilb after the Brainerd City Council slightly bent a few rules Tuesday in an effort to allow the 84-year-old woman to return to her property.
      Schilb, 523 S. Fifth St., will repair her fire-damaged house and return home in a special agreement reached with the Brainerd City Council
      The Schilb property is a non-conforming use in a commercial zone. The Brainerd zoning ordinance states a non-conforming structure that is damaged by more than 50 percent of its market value by fire cannot be restored except in conformity with the zoning ordinance.
      The Brainerd City Council, though, made an exception in this matter to allow Schilb to return to her home.
      The agreement allows Schilb to repair her house and return home for as long as she wishes to live there. After Schilb's death, the agreement calls for all structures on the property to be removed within 60 days.
      "I want to help Hazel," council member Jim Dehen said, adding, though, that he also has to look at long-range planning for the city.
      He said after Schilb's needs are satisfied the city needs to return to a master plan.
      After the council approved the agreement, Schilb said, "Thank you all."
      The council passed the agreement unanimously but council member Mark O'Day abstained and council member Kevin Olander was absent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 February 1994, p. 1A, c's. 4 & 5) [Courtesy Brian Marsh, CWCHS]

                  Hazel A. Schilb

      Hazel A. Schilb, 90, Brainerd, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, at St. Cloud Hospital.
      She was born Sept. 26, 1909, in Brainerd to Thomas and Virginia (Grondin) Forcier.
      Survivors include a special friend, Tom Louden, and several nieces and nephews.
      Her husband, Harry, and a sister, Rose LaMay, died earlier.
      Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd with Father Richard Kunst officiating.
      Friends may call Saturday at Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home from noon until leaving for the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. (Brainerd Dispatch, posted 07 April 2000)

Hazel A. Forcier married Harry Schilb on August 29, 1931 in Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minnesota.

New Car at Model Market

      Mrs. Harry Schilb, 523 South Fifth street, Brainerd, is the proud owner of a new car, given away last night by Schaefer's Model Market as part of an entirely local promotion program.
      Mrs. Schilb's. winning entry was drawn out of a huge bucket by Deanna Presttun, Miss Brainerd of 1957.
      Acting as master of ceremonies for the event was Al Leighton, who had also presided over the Miss Brainerd pageant held here Friday evening, when blonde, blue-eyed Miss Presttun was named to represent the city in the Miss Minnesota contest.
      Mrs. Schilb was not present when the winning ticket was drawn, but was called by phone and picked up the car immediately afterward.
      A crowd estimated at 75 persons witnessed the drawing, all hoping that their names would be drawn from thhe large tank which held all the blanks filled out during the event, which marked Schaefer's anniversary.
      Miss Presttun was dressed in a white gown, which is part of the wardrobe she won as part of the Miss Brainerd title. She also received a $250 scholarship donated by Brainerd merchants and businessmen.
      The contest here was sponsored by the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce, and is a prelude to the Jaycee sponsored Miss Minnesota competition to be held May 10-12 in Albert Lea. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 April 1957, p. 3)

Many Seniors Determined to Get by On Own

      Typical of many of the city's senior citizens is Hazel Schilb, 67. Her husband, Harry, died in 1973, and she makes her way on his pension from the railroad and a job helping out a newspaper carrier.
      She was asked if she had ever considered moving to the North Star Apartments, a low-cost apartment complex designed to ease the financial strain of many elderly citizens.
      Her answer echoes the feelings of many senior citizens who have chosen to live alone.
      "I used to tell my hubby that I'm just like a cowboy; I don't like to be fenced in. I like to go outside and putter around, pull a weed or something. Of course, someday maybe I'll have to (move to the high rise). I hope not."
      Independence for Mrs. Schilb means sawing up four cords of wood each summer to keep her wood-burning cookstove going during the winter. She has had the stove since 1933, and has no intention of trading it in for an electric range.
      "I still love my cookstove. I wouldn't part with it. That's all I've ever cooked on," she said. "That's one reason why I'm living here. I couldn't find an apartment where I could have a wood stove."
      She is an old hand at keeping the stove supplied with wood. "I have split wood since I was 17 and I've sawed wood for 30 years," she said. "I use my dad's old-fashioned buck saw, and I use a double-bitted axe. For a woman, I think I'm pretty good; I haven't broke an axe handle yet."
      Her housework and her job assisting a newspaper carrier, which takes her on an 85-mile ride every day except Saturday, keeps her busy.
      "I go to church, but that's all. In fact, I'm not much for parties. I figure I've go other things more important to do," she said.
      Like the other four women interviewed, Mrs. Schilb has had to adjust to the loss of her husband, a difficult, and at times, lonely, world to live in after 40 years of married life.
      Her husband died after a long illness with diabetes, a disease which took both his legs during the mid-1950s. She said that she used to watch over him until the early morning hours, sitting in a chair by his bed making small rugs to pass the time.
      "When you take care of them like a baby, you can't forget," she said. "I still miss my hubby. Sometimes when I'm sitting here at night and making rugs, I'll think of him and get a little blue."
      Mrs. Schilb has found a simple, little-used way of staying out of debt. She doesn't buy anything that she hasn't got the cash — in hand — to pay for.
      I don't like credit. If I don't have the money to pay for something, I let it go until I can pay for it. That's the way my hubby was too.
      "Of course, we had to go into debt for the stove, because it was the depression, and he was only working five days a month. But we made it. I always say, where there's a will, there is a way, if you try."
      Her future plans? "I'm going to stay here and live the same old way. As long as my health stays good, I'm gonna stay right here." (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30,November 1976, p. 1)

                        House Fire

      The Brainerd Fire Department responded at 6:10 p. m. Saturday to a structure fire at 523 S. 5th St. The fire at Hazel Schilb's house started in the chimney and spread to the attic causing $40,000 in damage. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1993, p. 2A, c's. 3 & 4) [Courtesy Brian Marsh, CWCHS]

            Will Hazel Lose Her Home?

           Enforcing Zoning Ordinance
              Means Difficult Decision

      Stuck between a rock and a hard place, the Brainerd City Council is faced with deciding whether to enforce its zoning ordinance and in turn make a Brainerd woman lose her home.
      The other options of the city council are contrary to current city ordinances and could set a precedent nightmare. Throw in the fact that 1994 is an election year and you have the ingredients for a controversial, political issue together with compassionate concerns for an elderly Brainerd woman.
      The dilemma involves the Christmas Day fire at the home of Hazel Schilb, 523 S. Fifth St.
      The 84-year-old woman often seen chopping wood outside her residence wants to repair and remodel the building so she can return home—a place she has lived in for more that 50 years. The house has been in Schilb's family for about 150 years. The original structure was built in 1868.
      But her property is a non-conforming use within a commercial zone. Because of the fire damage, the zoning issue is whether she can legally rebuild.
      The Brainerd zoning ordinance states "a non-conforming structure which is damaged by any cause to the extent of more than 50 percent of (the structure's) market value as determined by the current records of the county assessor, shall not be restored except in conformity with the regulations of this ordinance."
      According to the county records, the market value of the Schilb home is recorded as $8,900, half of which would be $4,450.
      The fire, which started in the chimney and spread to the attic, is believed to have caused about $40,000 damage.
      The other options of the Brainerd City Council to allow Schilb to return to her home are to rezone her property from commercial to residential creating a spot-zone situation, to amend the city zoning ordinance or to continue the non-conformance status contrary to the ordinance until such time as Schilb no longer lives on the property, said Brainerd City Planner Al Cottingham.
      "I want the best for Hazel but I'd hate to see a lot of dollars put into the property if it's not going to be worth it," said All Cottingham, City Planner. "From a planning perspective for the area, I think it would be better for the area if the site was brought into conformance, that area is an area that's growing. From my standpoint, I hate to kick anyone out of their house. But when the house is as far gone as it is, are you really kicking someone out?"
      Because of the amount of remodeling required at the site, a new structure essentially would be built, Cottingham said.
      Tom Louden, Schilb's neighbor who has provided an apartment for Schilb until this matter is resolved, is leading the campaign to allow Schilb to return home.
      He briefly addressed the Brainerd City Council on Monday about this issue. The city council is expected to discuss this matter again at its Feb. 22 meeting.
      City officials have been meeting with representatives of Schilb trying to reach a mutual agreement.
      Schilb said Wednesday she wants to return home if the city will allow her. "We're planning on rebuilding," she said.
      The night of the fire, Schilb said, she was awakened by Holiday Station Store employees and was able to escape. "I'm kind of blue you know," she said of the ordeal.
      Louden said Wednesday they hope to rebuild Schilb's home into a rambler connected to the garage, which would be renovated into a craft room.
      To kick someone off their land is not what America's about, Louden said. "It's a crime to take someone away from her place."
      She needs help to get back in her home, Louden said of Schilb. "I won't give up on this one. I don't give a damn about this community anymore. Where is the compassion in this?" (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 1994, p. 1A, c's. 2-5, p. 2A, c's. 3-6) [Courtesy Brian Marsh, CWCHS]

                Council Bends Rules to
                Let Hazel Return Home

      It's home sweet home for Hazel Schilb after the Brainerd City Council slightly bent a few rules Tuesday in an effort to allow the 84-year-old woman to return to her property.
      Schilb, 523 S. Fifth St., will repair her fire-damaged house and return home in a special agreement reached with the Brainerd City Council
      The Schilb property is a non-conforming use in a commercial zone. The Brainerd zoning ordinance states a non-conforming structure that is damaged by more than 50 percent of its market value by fire cannot be restored except in conformity with the zoning ordinance.
      The Brainerd City Council, though, made an exception in this matter to allow Schilb to return to her home.
      The agreement allows Schilb to repair her house and return home for as long as she wishes to live there. After Schilb's death, the agreement calls for all structures on the property to be removed within 60 days.
      "I want to help Hazel," council member Jim Dehen said, adding, though, that he also has to look at long-range planning for the city.
      He said after Schilb's needs are satisfied the city needs to return to a master plan.
      After the council approved the agreement, Schilb said, "Thank you all."
      The council passed the agreement unanimously but council member Mark O'Day abstained and council member Kevin Olander was absent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 February 1994, p. 1A, c's. 4 & 5) [Courtesy Brian Marsh, CWCHS]

                  Hazel A. Schilb

      Hazel A. Schilb, 90, Brainerd, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, at St. Cloud Hospital.
      She was born Sept. 26, 1909, in Brainerd to Thomas and Virginia (Grondin) Forcier.
      Survivors include a special friend, Tom Louden, and several nieces and nephews.
      Her husband, Harry, and a sister, Rose LaMay, died earlier.
      Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd with Father Richard Kunst officiating.
      Friends may call Saturday at Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home from noon until leaving for the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. (Brainerd Dispatch, posted 07 April 2000)