In the 1920s and 30s the children of many of the original Credit River families are said to have left the township for St Paul, seeking employment and higher wages. At that time, several Dutch families moved into the southern part of the township, and there was apparently some tension between the original Irish families and the new Dutch families.
A poem (date unknown) was written by Julius Schnider that detailed life in Credit River. It tells the story of a confrontation between young Dutch and Irish residents that was settled by Pat White of White’s General Store. The complete text of the poem is at the end of this document. Schnieder said in 1987 “There was always two factions [Irish and Dutch] but it wasn’t really as bad as I wrote. You have to spice things up a little to make them more interesting.”
Enough Credit River residents moved to St Paul in these years that on March 7th, 1940 a “Credit River Club” was formed in the city. Melvin Faricy and Joe White were elected officers and former Credit River residents agreed to hold meetings as well as a large annual picnic every summer.
In 1903 rural free mail delivery came to Credit River, closing the town post office. Telephones arrived in 1910, and electricity on March 28, 1929. The latter was exciting enough that a town party was held, though it was postponed so that the celebrations could commence after the end of Lent.
The township had an important role during World War II. One hundred acres in Credit River, part of the Cleary farm, were used as a military training field. Novice flyers and flight instructors would travel there from Fort Snelling and practice taking off, landing, and flight maneuvers.
Jordan Independent, February 4th, 1960
As roads grew better, transportation easier, and cars more common, many Credit River residents began traveling to nearby Prior Lake for errands and social events. This was true for religious services as well. The last pastor at Credit River’s St Peter’s Church was named John Deere. He was remembered by resident Pat Cleary as tall and redheaded, “just the typical Irishman.” As the congregation dwindled, St Peter’s church closed in 1960. Soon after, in a decision that still saddens many residents, the archdiocese tore the church down for safety reasons.
The Cleary family land was passed down through generations. Eventually the Cleary’s great great grandchildren sold the land to the parks department. Today it is known as Cleary Lake regional park. It features camping, skiing, a golf course, a dog park, hiking trails, and of course boating and swimming.