This Was Brainerd - Jan. 15 A look through the Brainerd Dispatch archives with Terry McCollough combing the microfilm for tidbits of history through the decades going back to 1921. Written By: Terry McCollough | × Women out in front of Murphy's Dry Goods Store on Front Street in Brainerd, circa 1901. Source: 'Out of the Woods, A Pictorial History of The Brainerd Lakes Area', Published by The Brainerd Daily Dispatch. Copyright 1994. JANUARY 15 20 years ago (2001) You may not want to start an argument with the Lincoln-Douglas debate team from Brainerd High School this year. Seniors Graham Lampa and Dan Holbrook are headed to state after placing second and fourth, respectively, at the section tournament. The eight-person team has 24 trophies and more than 100 firsts this season.