In the 1930s, a federal program during the administration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, appointed people to conduct oral history interviews across the country. In Paynesville, Clarence Chisholm conducted over 100 interviews with local citizens. These selections from those interviews were printed throughout 2000 in The Paynesville Press. Copies of the interviews were provided by the Paynesville Area Historical Society. Voices of the Past - Herbert Haines Herbert Haines, a pioneer of Paynesville, was born in Kanakee County, Ill., on May 24, 1864, a son of James and Harriet (Starkey) Haines. More often called "Hub," Herbert came to Paynesville with his mother and brother in the spring of 1868. It was in this community where he went to school and grew to manhood. On Dec. 19, 1986, he was united in marriage to Patience M. Sheldon, daughter of Harry and Charlotte Sheldon, the pioneers. The wedding took place in the Paynesville Congre-gational Church, with the Reverend E.E. Rogers, pastor in charge. For a number of years, they lived on a farm in Section 15 of Paynesville Township, but during the winter months they moved into the village of Paynesville to live. Hub was known throughout the community as a carpenter. He helped construct a great number of buildings in the community including the first wooden water tank in 1899. In later years, he became interested in the boat building industry and he worked at that business until the year 1934, when he was forced to retire on account of poor health. His boats were popular throughout Minnesota and the neighboring states. Herbert and Patience were the parents of five children. Bessie was born in Paynesville Township on Dec. 25 or 26, 1887. She moved to Minneapolis as an adult. Ina was born on Jan. 11, 1890, and died Feb. 7 of that same year. Ethel was born on May 1, 1891. Her husband was a mechanic, and after his death, she returned to live on the shores of Lake Koronis. Harold was born on July 24, 1894. Very interested in mechanical machinery, he built his own automobile in 1910. He enlisted during the world war and was an instructor in mechanics. After his discharge he made his home at Battle Creek, Michigan, where he went into the garage business. Mildred Haines was born on Aug. 7, 1897. She was but a small child when she passed away on April 19, 1900. She was laid to rest beside her sister in the Paynesville cemetery. On April 15, 1926, Patience passed away at her home in Paynesville. The funeral services were conducted from the house with the Reverend Haggans of the Methodist Church officiating. Burial was made in the Paynesville cemetery. After the death of his wife, Herbert lived with his son-in-law and daughter, Samuel and Ethel (Haines) Leversee, in Florida. The following year, they returned to Paynesville where they built a new home. On Oct. 6, 1932, Herbert was united in marriage to Aggie (Carlock) Burt at Spicer, Minn. He has retired from active work and is living at his home in Paynesville. Return Voice of the Past main page