Bio: Holngren, Gergen (12 Oct. 1933)
Poster:  Crystal Wendt
Email:  crystalwendt@aol.com

Source: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 12 Oct. 1933

MAN DRAWS 30 DAYS IN JAIL AFTER FAILURE TO MOVE CABIN FROM LOT

Gergen Holngren, 32 years old, of Owen, is spending 30 days in the county jail because he built a cabin on wheels and moved it on to a vacant lot in the village of Owen, thereby violating an ordinance.

Mr. Holngren, although stating he is positive as to the reason for his arrest, said he presumed it was because he had no sewer or water facilities in his cabin, due to the fact that he was able to make use of the facilities at his father-in-law’s home across the street.

Mr. Holngren states he been employed at intervals for the past nine years by the John S. Owen Lumber Co., at Owen, and for the last two years has had steady employment by that concern. Until he built his cabin Mr. Holngren rented the upstairs of the village hall at Owen. In order to reduce his living expenses and keep from applying to the village for relief, Mr. Holngren said he built the cabin, a structure 8 by 18 feet, mounting it on wheels. He rented a vacant lot and moved his house on to the land.

A short time ago, according to Mr. Holngren, he was asked by an official to move his cabin. Failing to comply with the request Mr. Holngren states that on Oct. 3 he was served with a warrant and at a hearing before Justice of the Peace Graham, was ordered to remove the cabin within 48 hours or pay a $5 fine and costs or serve 30 days in jail.

On Oct. 5 Mr. Holngren was placed under arrest and brought to the county jail in Neillsville to serve his sentence.

“I had the $5, but needed it for other things,” said Mr. Holngren.

Asked if he had ever applied for poor relief, Mr. Holngren stated he had not, but that because of his financial condition his wife and child would have to apply for relief while he is in jail. Mr. Holngren said he did not know whether his job would be waiting for him when he got thru serving his sentence.