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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-11 PACKET 08.B.HISTORICAL- - rr� WHISPERINGS —Washington County .y t I 1I Historical Society I ' Volume 42, Issue 3 A DECADE AGO Washington County, Minnesota October 2016 Washington County Historical Society on the Brink! By Brent Peterson, WCHS Executive Director History is a record of challenges. There are challenges in business, in personal life and in organizations. The challenges are many, some small and others not so small. Challenges can lead to a company filing bankruptcy or to an organization disbanding. Ten years ago the Washington County Historical Society faced a challenge that could have jeopardized every- thing that had been worked for in the past. A Brief History of WCHS The Washington County Historical Society was orga- nized in April 1934 by individuals from around the county. The non -profit's mission to preserve, collect and dissemi- nate the history of one of Minnesota's first counties was the focus — and was applauded throughout the county and the state of Minnesota. The Historical Society started out in a small room in the Stillwater Public Library, but through the efforts of Minnesota State Senator Karl Neumeier, the Society was able to purchase the old Warden's House on North Main Street in Stillwater from the state in 1941. The 1853 build- ing became the headquarters for the organization and In This Issue ... ... as WCHS finishes its 82nd year (10th without county fund- ing) we look back at the process that got us to today, uncover the history of the family that built the log house that is now a museum, and get news about WCHS and upcoming events. Executive Director's Report p. 2 Museum Events Report p. 4 St. Croix Boom Site p. 7 Johannes Erickson Family of Scandia p.10 Calendar of history events p.11 The Washington County Historical Society will open a new County Heritage Center on Greeley Street in Stillwater near Highway 36, hopefidly in 2020. This artist's rendering shows an entrance atrium and signage advertising exhibits inside. opened as the second "house museum" in Minnesota. It con- tinues to operate as a museum dedicated to the history of Washington County. As the organization grew, so did the demands upon it. Acknowledging these demands, the Washington County Commissioners supported the mission by an annual grant of funds to help WCHS take care of the artifacts and be able to tell the stories of Washington County to the local students, visitors and those seeking information about their families. In the 1970s the organization grew by the purchase of the Hay Lake School from the Forest Lake School District. A short time later, the Johannes Erickson Log House was moved onto the school property and both became museums — a portal to our past — for locals and visitors alike. By 1980, the Warden's House Museum, the Hay Lake School and the Erickson Log House were all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. WCHS ON THE BRINK—Continued on page 8 From the Executive Director Board & Staff The touring season is just about over for the museums. There have been some Washington County great events this past summer — from outdoor movies to flashlight tours and fabulous Historical Society authors and speakers about our great Washington County history. Thank you to all of you that attended and we hope to see you back for even more events coming up. The WCHS is proud to showcase the history of the county. We have also Board produced two publications [talked about elsewhere in the newsletter] that deal with a David Lindsey President little known military action down at the Mexican border that Washington County Scott Foss Vice President soldiers were a part of, and a first person account of what it was like behind the grey Joe Otte Recording Secretary bars of Minnesota's most notorious prison!! These books are available at the Warden's Tom Simonet Treasurer House Museum for purchase or online at our website store. Myron Anderson Director The St. Croix Base Ball Club had another great year — not only telling the story of Ryan Collins Director early base ball in Minnesota but also having fun — as Mike Veeck of the St. Paul Saints Holly Fitzenberger Director says, "Fun is Good!!" The team is always looking for members to play some vintage base ball — give the Historical Society a call and hopefully we will see you on the Sheila House Director diamond next season!! Karlene McComb Director Angie Noyes Director Becky Pung Director Staff Brent Peterson Executive Director Sean Pallas Warden's House Manager Dustyn Dubuque Hay Lake Museum Manager Chairs Robert Goodman Endowment Fund Chair Nancy Goodman Newsletter Editor Historical Whisperings is published quarterly by the Washington County Historical Society, PO Box 167, Stillwater, MN 55082-0167. Website: www.lvchsmn.org Phone: 651-439-5956. For information about stories and newsletter articles, contact editor@wchsmn.org For information about events and collections, contact informatioii@wchsmn.org To book a museum tour contact spallas.wchs@gmail.com or phone 651-439-5956 2 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS The restoration of the Rev. Wm. T. Boutwell House is moving forward to phase. In this phase, the siding, and windows will be replaced and the moldy interior sheet rock will be taken out. We are again using Hagstrom Builders of Lake Elmo for the work so we all know it will be a quality job. The Historical Society is still in need of donations to make sure this project is done — to donate send a check to WCHS or donate online at <www.gofundme.com/boutwell>. Remember that annual memberships are due at the first of the year, so please renew your membership as soon as you can!! Thank you all for being a member of this organization and helping to preserve, protect and to disseminate the history of Minnesota's greatest county!! Brent T. Peterson, Executive Director News of the Organization ... Frank White Key Speaker at Membership Meeting Frank White, author of They Played for the Love of the Game, a history of Min- nesota's black baseball players, was the featured speaker at the Fall Membership Meeting, held Sept. 22 at the Water Street Inn in Stillwater. Author White, a resi- dent of Woodbury, shared stories of African American ballplayers in Minnesota. During the many decades that Major League Baseball imposed a strict policy of segregation, black ballplayers in Minnesota were relegated to a haphazard array of semipro leagues, barn- storming clubs, and loose organizations of all - black teams, many of which are lost to history. White's own father, Louis White, was one of the top catchers in the Twin Cities in his day, a fact that White did not learn until late in life. After the presentation, Mr. White signed copies of his book. Spooky Times in October! Outdoor Movie Night at the Warden's House Oct. 20 On Thursday, October 20, WCHS will show the silent classic film, "The Phan- tom of the Opera," under the stars at the Warden's House Museum. The mu- seum will be open at 5:30 PM; the screening begins at 6:30. The movie features Stillwater native Olive Ann Alcorn. It will be shown outside, so dress warmly and bring chairs or blan- kets. The event is free; concessions will be available for purchase. Ghost Hunters! Three Presentation October 24 On Saturday, October 24, WCHS will host the Johnsdale Paranormal Group for the fourth year for "Paranormal In- vestigations: Techniques & Theories." Founder Justin Miner and his co- investigators will discuss their investi- gations of famously haunted locales around Minnesota and the Midwest — including the Warden's House itself! Because of the popularity of this event, three presentations will be made — at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. This event is free for everyone. Ribbon Cutting for New Welcome Sign at Refurbished St. Croix Boom Site Park WCHS Executive Director Brent Peterson joined federal, state and local officials August 25 to cut the ribbon on a new sign at the Boom Site wayside welcoming visitors to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Left to Right, Julie Galonska, National Park Service; US Senator Al Franken, Brent Peterson and US Rep. Bet- ty McCollum. See more about the Boom Site on page 7. Give to the Max Day Is Nov. 17, 2016 Support the Washington County Historical Society online. Gifts made on Give to the Max Day may qualify for matching grants, thus adding to your donation. You can donate on November 17 or at any time through this giving website for Minnesota nonprofits. To donate visit our website <www.wchsmn.org> or go directly to our GiveMN page: http://razoo.com/ storyM/ashington-County-Historical-Society-7 giveMN.org Donna Reynolds Former WCHS Board Member Long-time WCHS board member Donna Reynolds of Saint Paul Park passed away on August 16. She was 83. Donna served the Society many years as a board member and corresponding secretary and as a member of the Endowment Commit- tee. Donna was also a founding member of the South Washington Heritage Society and was active in supporting both organizations. She was especially interested in the histo- ry of Grey Cloud Island and helped compile an index of the early pioneers buried in the island cemetery. Donna was active in getting the reconstruction of the Carriage House built; she is shown in the WCHS research center in the building. .Save the Date! Warden's House Holiday Authors' Event December 17 WCHS will hold the annual Holiday Open House at the Warden's House on Saturday, December 17, from noon to 4 PM. The museum will be packed to the gills with local authors and vendors providing a fun and interesting way to do your holiday shopping locally. Forget Black Friday lines! Come enjoy a relaxing afternoon chating with authors and historians. Plus — there will be live music, coffee and holiday treats! The event is free and open to the public. OCTOBER2016 3 Museum Events Report Fabulous Year at the Warden's House! By Sean Pallas Warden's House Site Manager The gradual plunge from Summer into Fall will soon bring an end to the Warden's House Museum 75th milestone year of op- eration by WCHS. And I'd like to take a moment to thank the Society's members who have made the last three-quarters of a century a possibility. And especially, thank you to everyone who came out to the museum in 2016 to make this year such a huge success. Not only have we had more field trips, more scheduled tours, and more "walk-ins" visiting the museum this year than ever, our program line-up keeps getting better and better. As I was scrolling through Facebook posts and flipping through attendance record sheets, it suddenly dawned just how busy we've been this year. I caught myself continually asking, "Really? This program was this year?" It's not just the number of events that blows me away — but the scope! I absolutely love just how varied our programming schedule has become. This summer we covered everything from the story of the James -Younger Gang's raid on Northfield to the history of Minnesota Rock N' Roll bands of the 1960s to sandstone quarries of Ancient Egypt! It's truly a pleasure to see the parlor crowded with folks eager and happy to learn about history. And there are still three great events to go! Of course, every summer is also an opportunity to work with three wonderful interns! Head over to page 5 to learn a little more about what our interns got up to this year! To sum up, thank you so much to everyone who made the 2016 touring season great! It's been a truly amazing year and thank you for letting me be a part of WCHS' ongoing and con- tinuing legacy! I hope to see you at our October and December programs! Read about them on page 3. Contact Sean at 651-439-5956 oremailspallas.wchs@gi??ail.com Learn More About WCHS! Even though the museums are closed from November to May, you still keep up with history news. Sign up for the free Historical Messenger email newsletter, delivered to your inbox bi-weekly. To get on board, visit <www.wchsmn.org/publications/email>. Or join us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest happen- ings at: <www.facebook.com/WCHSMN>. 4 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Outdoor Movies at the Museum Summer Successes at the Hay Lake Museum! By Dustyn Dubuque Hay Lake Museum Site Manager Another Hay Lake Beer Tasting is in the books, and what a terrific day it was! We welcomed 11 breweries from around Min- nesota and Wisconsin, including Burning Brothers Brewing and Barley John's Brewing, their first time attending this event. The summer beers were flowing and the music by the Capital City Wind Ensemble helped shape what turned out to be a gorgeous 80 degree day. Mark your calendars now for June 17, 2017 for the tenth year of this terrific event. It will be bigger with a few new sur- prises and additions. You will just have to join us to be a part of the fun! The Hay Lake Speaker Series was another success this year. In June we welcomed Susan Lund of Embrace Adrena- line who talked about their group and what it takes to become a trapeze artist. In July, Ken Martens told stories from his book, The Perilous St. Croix River Valley. And in August we were joined by Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame Executive Director Carol Castle, plus enjoyed a movie night under the stars (see above). The season was wrapped up when Paul Smithson brought a raptor to the Hay Lake school to speak about migration and the role the Warner Nature Center has in bird preservation. Contact Dustyn at 651-433-4014 or email dusoj n. dubuque@hotmail. cons Ever Wonder Just What Summer Interns Do for WCHS? This year, WCHS had one undergraduate student, Abigail Win- ston of Gettysburg University, and two about to head to into graduate programs — Kelsie Close a recent graduate of Gustavus College and Jessica Davis from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. The best change around the museum when interns are around is the flood of new ideas they bring with them. From developing and helping run our inaugural and extraordinarily successful flashlight tour of the Warden's House — to helping capitalize on this summer's Pokemon Go fad! Of course each also designed and managed her own per- sonal projects, all of which benefit WCHS Abigail reached out and conducted interviews with local schoolteachers to create an in -classroom curriculum that would meet Minnesota state education- al standards. WCHS will now be able to send repre- sentatives into local schools to help forge connections with the next generation of historians! And speaking of promoting WCHS' engagement with young -folk, Washington County itself is a bit of a weird shape that kids might have a hard time tackling. Not to mention how many cities, towns and townships are scattered around! Kelsie, after a bit of research, created a historical jigsaw puzzle to help children get some hands-on (literally!) experience with their county Jessica, who spent most of her time at the Hay Lake historic site, enriched our understanding and ability to tell the Erickson Log Home's story by diving headfirst into the extensive Erickson family tree. She went through the archives at the Hay Lake School Museum and Research Center, along with online resources, in order to refine the tour that is given of the log house. "This will be used by me and all future employees, interns, and staff," says Site Manager Dustyn Dubuque "Her research on a World War I veteran of the Erickson family will be of interest in 2017 as we look at the 100 year anniversary of The War to End All Wars." Jessica wrote a large history on the Erickson family, working to create a family tree of the family pre -1900. You can check out Jessica's work, condensed for this newsletter, on page 11. WCHS wishes these young historians nothing but the absolute best in their future historical endeavors! Hereare the 2016 interns working for WCHS at the County Fair. Left to right: Kelsie Close, Jessica Davis, Abigail Winston _................................. _. _.................. _.. _......................................... ......... _.......... I ........ ..... New WCHS Publications Available! Company K in the Border War tells the stories of the men of the local National Guard Unit, Company K of the Third Minnesota Infantry, who were sent to Texas in 1916 to protect against Mexican rebels led by the infamous "Pancho" Villa. Among the local "boys" sent to Texas were Captain Ches- ter S. Wilson and Major Orris E. Lee of Stillwater. Wilson's photographs and Lee's letters home form the basis for the pub- lication. Letters from other mem- bers of the Third Minnesota, and from newspaper correspondents embedded with the troops, have also been included along with a short history of the conflict. The 40 -page book costs $10 (tax included) and is available at the WCHS museums or online at <www.wchsmh.org/store-2/>. _ t t, Ilk COMPANY K IN THE BORDER WAR The Stillwater National Gohrd In Texas 1916 \1'wltl^4�^^ I'ounl, IIMInANI tinrirg • 3nIM1 Thru the Mill was originally published in 1915. It was written by inmate number "4342", George Bartlett, who served ten months in the old Stillwater Prison under sen- tence of forgery. This book is his account of life behind the stone walls of Minnesota's most infamous prison. From being received into the old prison to being par- doned, Bartlett tells what it's like to be a new convict at the prison. He also includes infor- mation about the duties of the guards, the wardens and the fe- male quarters. An introduction has been added by WCHS. Thru the Mill.' The Truth About the `Inside" is available at the museums or online at <www. wehsmn.org/store-2/> for $13 (tax included). Call 651-439- 5956 for more infannation. TflRU�MlLL "a a2" _ tie Mr � _ =II i- i me mn h Pdre 80 Ceel� OCTOBER 2016 5 Membership Report The Washington County Historical Society welcomes new and renewing annual members listed here and new life member Sylvia Dalzell. Thanks to you all for your support. And special thanks those who included a donation with their membership dues. WCHS truly relies on membership support. You know that your individual membership entitles you to free admission to the museums; a discount on items for sale in the WCHS store; and access to the Society's archives. And you will have Historical Whisperings delivered four times a year! It's not too early to think about Christmas! A membership with Historical Whisperings makes a wonderful gift! Memberships expire January 1 each year — use the handy form on page 12 e to renew. Questions? Call 651-439-5956, or email information@wchsmn.org NEw IN THE ARCHIVES Greeley Family Memorabilia The Washington County Historical Society has received a do- nation of family portraits and a letter written November 8, 1846. The portraits are of John and Hannah Greeley, the par- ents of lumbermen Elam, Himan and Aquila Greeley and of Phoebe and Servia Greeley, John McKusick's first two wives! The Greeley family was in the lumber and cooperage business in New Hampshire and Maine. The four-page letter was written by Hannah, John and Servia Greeley to 23 -year-old Himan, who had just moved to Stillwater in 1846. Several members of the family had preced- ed him to Stillwater: Elam, an original owner of the McKusick mill and a partner of Edward Blake; Phoebe, who married John McKusick in June 1847; and daughters Sarah and Susan, who was married to Episcopal clergyman Eleazar Greenleaf (Susan was the second schoolteacher in Stillwater). Mother Hannah starts the letter speaking of "how very lonely we are since you left." But she is hopeful of being able to join her children soon in "in the far West." On page two, Father John continues, wishing to know when the rest of them should move. He has let the mills but has reserved the right to saw his own timber. He has a lot of questions for Himan about the business he has left behind. And he wants to know everything about the St, Croix — "How large the stream is where Elam built the mill at Stillwater and which side of the lake and stream it is. Is Edward Blake & Elam in partnership about anything, goods or farms? If Elam, you and all think it best for me to come there I hope you & Elam will try to farm it so we can raise our bread and meat." 6 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS New Life Member Sylvia Dalzell New and Renewing Sustaining Members Joe Otte * Lynda Besk Tu rentine New and Renewing Patron Members Patricia Johnson * Kave & Karen Ratte New and Renewing Individual & Family Members Jeanne Ackerman * Nancy Bauman * Jacquelen Bialozynski * Doug Blanke * Raydelle Bruentrup * Marcia DeWolf Liz & Jeff Dietsche * Dan & Nancy Haley * Nancy Hawkinson * Barry Hemsch * Joel Holstad * Pat Josephson * Thomas Lanman * Francis Leonard * Vincent & Christine Maefsky * Fred Neher * Francine Parting * Nancy Lind Prince * Jan Rothanburg * Carol Scott * Connie & Steven Voss * Fritz West * Cynthia West * Sherman Wick Watercolor portraits of.7ohn Greeley and his wife Hannah Hin- man Greeley were donated to WCHS, along with a letter written by them to their son Hinvan in Stillwater in 1846. He can't resist political comment. One thing John Greeley is afraid of, he says, is the Abolition Society in New England: "It is my opinion they are trying to dissolve the Union and will terminate in a Civil War." Himan's sister Servia finishes the letter, writing on the address side and in the margins giving her brother some of the local gossip. . When Himan Greeley arrived in Stillwater he entered the lumbering business with his brother Elam. Soon after this letter was written, in 1847, Hannah and John Greeley and daughter Servia left Maine for Minnesota. Their youngest son Aquila Greeley followed them to Stillwater in 1849. Many of the Greeley family are buried in Fairview Cemetery, Stillwater. The Boom Site Wayside, just two miles north of Stillwater on the St. Croix River, is one of only twenty-five National Historic Sites in Minnesota. It was placed on the National Register in 1966. It is now the gateway to the St. Croix National Wild and Scenic Riverway. For a while its continued use as a park was in doubt. During the 1930s the Boom Site was developed as a Roadside Parking Area along Highway 95. The fire rings, toilets, guardrail and stairs to the river were built by young men employed by the National Youth Administration (NYA). Managed by the Minnesota DOT, the facilities were al- tered and rebuilt over the years. Eventually, in 2008, MnDOT closed the wayside because "it no longer served a transporta- tion safety function." A local campaign to reopen the rest stop resulted in management of the site being turned over to the Minnesota DNR. The St. Croix Boom Site was one of the state's first sites to receive a roadside historical marker. Pho- tographer John Runk stands by the marker in 1935. lumber camps on the Saint Croix and its tributaries. Here the logs were captured by floating log booms — logs chained together and stretched across the river. Each year logs from as many as 150 lumbering camps were stored, sorted, measured and made into rafts to be sent to sawmills downstream. The St. Croix Boom Company was chartered by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature in 1851, giving them the right to charge 40 cents per thousand board feet they handled. The original boom was installed near Osceola, but in 1856 Gateway to the Wild and Scenic Riverway.. . St. Croix Boom Site Again Welcomes Tourists Thanks to a Federal grant, work started last April to redo the badly neglected site. On August 25 the park was formally reopened as a National Scenic Wayside, making it the gateway to the St. Croix National Wild and Scenic Riverway. Partners in the refurbished park were Washington County, Minnesota DOT and DNR, National Park Service, Friends of the Boom Site, the St. Croix River Association, and several other organi- zations. The park consists of a parking lot, shelter and picnic tables on the north end, connected by a pedestrian bridge to an area with a historic marker and stairs leading down to the river. A quarter -mile further south is a scenic overlook with a geologic marker. This is where the new National Parks Service sign welcoming visitors is located. The Boom Site was designated a Historic Landmark because of its role in logging history. The park marks the place where from 1856 through 1914 a Boom Company handled more than 15.5 billion feet of logs floated down the river from Working at the boom site, "catch markers" with pike poles sort logs according to logniarks in 1886. `Hitchers" assemble the logs into brills to be rafted downriver. John Runk photo collection Stillwater lumbermen bought the company and moved it to the site north of downtown where the river was narrow and had high banks. By the 1880s it was not uncommon for a 15 mile backup of logs to form for sorting at the boom every season. After the boom was moved, Stillwater became the center of the logging business and, since river traffic could not get around the barrier of logs, was effectively the head of steamboat navigation on the river. The St. Croix Boom Site was the earliest, most important, and longest -lived of the major log storage and handling areas in Minnesota. At its peak, as many as 600 men were employed on the boom. By the early 1900s Minnesota and Wisconsin's vast pine forests had been cut over. On June 12, 1914, the last log went through the boom, ending 75 years of logging on the St. Croix River. OCTOBER 2016 7 WCHSo,vTve Brunt:—Continuedfrona page I The Washington County Historical Society collects, preserves and disseminates the history of Washington County and the Stale of Minnesota. That is our mission. WCHS collects and preserves cultural artifacts and docuinents, including government records (Civil War convmission ofCharles Valentine Landfall tax retards, right); records of county schools (Garen School below); and photos ofhistorzc persons, places and events, such as the 1965 flood WCHS operates three interpretive museums, in Stillwater, Scandia and Oakdale. Tours are given to thousands ofschool children every year, helping schools fulfill their local history curriculum requirements. The Society provides educational programs for the public as well as curriculum material for the schools. A priority has been to mark historic sites in the countri (marker for the Second Congregational Church of Marine shown) as well as pioneer cemeteries. The growth of the organization over the years, in prop- erties as well as visitors, also meant a need for more sup- port. Clearly seeing the value in the history of Washington Washington County Withdraws Support County, the County Commissioners also raised the annual Then -Commissioners Myra Peterson and Dick Stafford support to the organization as the budget grew. The decades of the 1980s and 1990s saw a tremendous growth in the organization culminating with the construc- tion of a replica of the former carnage house behind the Warden's House Museum. This building was able to handle some of the larger artifacts that had been stored outside or at other sites not belonging to the Historical Society. Also, it gave the Historical Society its first temperature -controlled rooms to properly store photographs, documents and textiles —collections that have again grown beyond capacity of the organization to mange properly. At the same time, the schools in the county com- munities were teaching more local history and, along with that, visits by students went from hundreds a season to thousands, putting more stress on the mostly volunteer staff of the organization. The County continued to support the mission of the Historical Society, increasing the grant ever so slightly each year to allow some paid, professional staff to be hired and to bring the organization into the 21 st century. But by 2001, the County Commissioners had other ideas about the value of the Historical Society to the county, and soon began the biggest challenge to the organization's success. 8 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS believed that history was not a "core function" of govern- ment and that eliminating funding for the Historical Society was "more common sense," even though all other counties in Minnesota supported their respective county historical societies. The decision made in 2001 was that the Washington County Historical Society would lose 20 percent of its an- nual assistance each year for five years and thereafter would receive no assistance from the county. Editorials swiftly appeared in local newspapers de- nouncing the decision by the county board. "We find it odd that a county so rich in history doesn't want to support its historical society," the Stillwater Courier editor wrote, "a group that not only owns and operates two museums on be- half of all residents of Washington County but also main- tains archives, artifacts, a research library and provides oth- er services for residents." Headlines such as "Penny Wise, Pound Foolish," and "Historical Society Is Worth the Cost" didn't sway the Commissioners. For five years the grant was reduced. By 2006 WCHS and become, and still remains, the only county historical society in Minnesota that receives no annual assis- tance from its county. WCHS investigates and publishes county history, making local history available to all through books and electronic media as well as newsletters, a website and social media. The research center (below), open foam days a week year round, assists hundreds of researchers each year in documenting their own, community, conn ry and state history Traveling exhibits and living history events, such as the 1860s base ball game and cernetety tour shown at left, provide outreach for WCHS and bring history to life for thousands of people every year. WCHS Meets the Challenge After elimination of support by the county leaders, the Washington County Historical Society could have left the fight to preserve county, state, local, family and business history to someone else. That didn't happen. For the past decade the Historical Society has met the challenge that was presented and has moved forward. Membership in the or- ganization has more than doubled, ten history books and two documentaries have been produced, buildings have been preserved, collections have increased and been proper- ly preserved, and annual visitation is growing an average of 10 percent annually. The Washington County Historical Society now pub- lishes an expanded quarterly newsletter and a bi-monthly electronic newsletter, has a newly designed website that features online exhibits, and is a publisher of local history books and pamphlets. In 2013, the Society purchased a building in Stillwater that will eventually house the new Washington County Her- itage Center which will showcase county and state history, have space for exhibits and historical research, and provide adequate climate -controlled storage. Last year WCHS res- cued the historic William T. Boutwell homestead in Stillwa- ter Township. Demolition of the house had already begun, making preservation and renovation all the Those Preserving History Are Also Making History Twenty years ago, in 1996, the So- ciety had an annual budget of around $50,000, with $25,000 con- tributed by Washington County. In 2001 the WCHS annual budget had grown to about $100,000 with the County grant supplying about $39,000. A huge percentage of that budget went, and still goes, toward maintaining, insuring, and keeping open to the public four historic buildings, three on the National Register, and all more than a centu- ry old. Since losing county funding, the WCHS operating budget has grown to about $165,000 for the museums and programming. In addition, the Society has raised money to purchase a building for the Heritage Center and save the historic Boutwell House. more costly. This April the Society added the Eder School, an 1888 one -room school in Oakdale, to its museum and programming sites. On two occasions since 2006 the county leaders have helped fund a project for the Historical Society. First, they helped with the cost of the publication of a new county his- tory book in 2008. In 2013 the county assisted again with a small grant to help with the acquisition of a building for the organization's future Heritage Center. If We Don't Do It, Who Will? The county board staff and commissioners today still seem to resist providing financial assistance to preserve Washington County's heritage. The Washington County Poor Farm Cemetery sits neglected by the county and the Historic Courthouse has endured a recent stint as a private commercial site, with great detriment to the building. Coun- ty records that would otherwise have gone into storage or been destroyed have been given to WCHS to archive and make available to the public, but without the necessary funding for their preservation. It is to be hoped that someday the leaders of Washing- ton County will embrace the purpose of the Historical Soci- ety and also be able to see that knowing our past provides a roadmap to our future OCTOBER 2016 9 The Erickson Family of Hay Lake Pioneer Settlers Who Built the Log House by Jessica Davis Jess Davis was a 2016 intern at the Hay Lake Museum and researched and wrote this paper for her summer project. She is a junior at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and hopes to work in a museum some day. The Erickson family — Willie (left), Lisa (Mrs. Johannes) and Alfred —pose in front of the log house built by Johannes Erickson in 1868. The photo was probably taken after Johannes returned to Sweden. Johannes Erickson and wife, Lisa, came to the United States with their two children, Alfi-ed and Hilda, in late spring of 1866. In Sweden, Johannes had worked as a slate roofer along the Baltic Coast, alongside many other odd jobs to earn money for their passage across the ocean. They left from Gothenberg, Sweden on March 23, and arrived on the island of Manhattan ap- proximately two weeks later. After arriving in New York, they boarded a train heading west towards Minnesota. Some excitement occurred on this leg of their journey when their son, Alfred, became separated from his family at a depot in Chicago. Luckily, he was found by a police officer and returned to his parents, thanks to his immigrant tag. After they reached the settlement of New Scandia, they would have stayed with some friends from their hometown. They found land and built a one -room shanty to live in while they planted crops and earned more money to build a larger structure. Johannes bought 80 acres from Daniel Nilson, and their life in Minnesota began. The first two years of their life here was dedicated to clearing land to plant more crops, fishing in nearby lakes, and hunting the plentiful game that was around. Alfred remembered having dug for turtle eggs to supplement the nutrition lost by their lack of chick- Moving the Erickson house to its new home at the Hay Lake School Museum site in 1979. The original vertical board and batten siding had been removed over the years. The siding was restored and painted a red talar used in Sweden at the time. 10 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS ens. In September of that first year, another son was born to the Ericksons. They named him Adolph. Finally, in 1868, they had saved up enough to build the larger two-story log house that the Histori- cal Society now owns and maintains. Johan- nes, then approximately 48 years old, and his son Alfred, around 13 years old, built it to- gether using the tradi- tional techniques for building a log house. It can also be in- ferred that neighbors and community members helped in the construction, as it was tradition and Johannes had a crippled left hand. After they had moved into the larger house and a few years had passed, another son was born. William Erickson was born in May of 1870, and was the last Erickson family member to live in the log house. Unfortunately, in 1873 Hilda passed away from stepping on a sharp corn stub and contracting blood poisoning. The next 20 years of life at the log house were fairly une- ventful; the children attended school in short sessions and worked the land for the rest of their time there. In 1889, Johannes was longing for the homeland and boarded a ship to re- turn. However, two short days after re- turning to his hometown he passed away and was buried in his home ceme- tery. Lisa lived seven years more, pass- ing away in 1896 at home. Adolph moved away to Canada to find more manual labor jobs, and mar- ried and had children while there. Due to a logging accident in 1919 he passed away, and not much is known about his children as they dispersed into the foster care system. Alfred married a friend's widow, Selma Anderson, in 1895 and moved to her family farm near Fish Lake. She had two sons from a previous marriage, whom Alfred also helped to raise. Together they had five more chil- dren: Reuben, Evelyn, Agnes, Alice, and Eleanor. Their son was involved in both World Wars and became the first mayor of Edina. The girls attended Hay Lake School and can be seen in the 1911 school photo on display. All four of them attended school and attained jobs to help provide for their families. The log house was inhabited until 1906, when a larger Victorian style home was built on the property. The house was most likely built by William, the youngest son and a master carpen- ter, and it was he and his wife, Selina, who moved into the Victorian style WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORY house together. They had no children together, and it was hard to find much record of their lives after marriage and before death. There is a family story that claims William helped to build the 1928 addi- tion to the Hay Lake School, but no hard facts have been found to corrobo- rate this yet. After 1906, the house was used as a playhouse and a granary shed. Calendar of Events The original property is located near Long Lake, about a half mile from the house's current location. After sitting on that property for about 70 years, the house was donated to the Washington County Historical Society by the new family who owned it, and with the help of Anna Engquist it was restored and opened as a museum to go along with the Hay Lake School museum. The two-story Johannes Erickson Log House was restored by the WCHS as a show- case of pioneer Scandinavian life and was placed on the National Register of Histor- ic Places in 1976. Visit the Johannes Erickson Log House and the Hay Lake School for guided tours from 1 to 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays until October 30. Please contact the sponsoring organization for updated infor- mation about events: South Washington Heritage Society (SWHS) 651-459-7950; Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) 651-439-5956; Denmark Township Historical Society (DTHS) 651-436-7639; Gammelgarden 651-433-5053; Afton Historical Society 651-459-3500; Historic Courthouse 651- 275-7075. October 15 & 16 Saturday & Sunday Girls & Dolls Tea Par- ty for girls & dolls 9 to 96! Stories, games, dances crafts, music. Sat. 10 AM; Sun. 1 PM. Reservations required, $20 person. Gammelgarden, Scandia. October 20 Saturday—WCHS outdoor movie night showing silent film "The Phantom of the Opera," Warden's House, 6:30 PM. Free program. Museum open at 5:30 PM. October 24 Saturday—WCHS "Paranormal Investigations in 2016," by Johnsdale Paranormal Group. Warden's House: 11 AM, 3 PM, and 7 PM. Free program. Visitors to the Eder School got a lesson in spinning from Carolyn Wascow. In 2017 WCHS will con- tinue to do pro- grams at the school in the Oakdale Nature Preserve (4444 Hadley Are). November 12 Saturday Annie's Swedish Coffee Parties, 10 Amt and 1 PM. Cost $15; reservation required. Includes his- tory/Swedish Jul program. Gammelgarden, Scandia. November 12 Saturday—SWHS annual veterans' program: Cottage Grove veteran Jim Sullivan talks about Fort Snel- ling National Cemetery. St. Paul Park City Hall, 10 Ana. November 17 Thursday—Give to the Max Day Minnesota; visit your non -profit's website. November 18-20 Friday through Sunday Victorian Christmas at the Historic Courthouse. Preview gala and fundraiser Friday 6:30-9 pm, call for advance tickets; Victorian Christmas Bazaar and Tea Room Saturday, 10 AM -4 PM, Sunday, 11 AM –3 PM, free. Holiday exhibit open. November 19 & 20 Saturday & Sunday—Girls & Dolls Lucia Christmas Tea Party with stories, games, crafts, music. Sat. 10 AM; Sun. 1 PM. Reservations required, $20 person. Gammelgarden, Scandia. December 3 & 10 Saturday—Annie's Swedish Coffee Parties, 10 AM & 1 PM. Cost $15; reservation required. Includes history/Swedish Jul program. Gammelgarden, Scandia. December 11 Sunday Lucia Dagen services 6:30 & 8 Amin Gammel Kyrkan; Jul Fest Breakfast and program 7 & 9 AM, $15 adult, $5 child. Gammelgarden. December 17 Saturday—Annual Warden's House Holiday Event. Visit with local authors, enjoy music and treats, shop for gifts, noon to 4 PM. Warden's House Museum, Stillwater. Free event. December 17 & 18 Saturday & Sunday—Girls & Dolls Lucia Christmas Tea Party with stories, games, crafts, music. Sat. 10 AM; Sun. 1 PM. Reservations required, $20 person. Gammelgarden, Scandia. OCTOBER 2016 11 DATED MATERIAL Wes INGOH (UUHru *TUAKAL SU I M Box 167 Stillwater. MN 55082 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Contact Us To receive this newsletter by U.S. Mail or Email, or for information about the Washington County Historical Society, contact us at 651-439-5956 or email information@wchsmn.org On the web at www.wchsmn.org Cottage Grove HPC City Office 12800 Ravine Pkwy Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Non -Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Permit No. 224 Stillwater, MN 55082 !"'s--1:::i.c::•r.:i.(•iiilci r?i;;a` I"li'�i�lll"�I�lutlh'111lllli�i�l:''��I�litll�1111}�'�11i1111 ------------------------- I I MEMBERSHIP APPPLICATION or RENEWAL I Washington County Historical Society I I I Name Address City, State, Zip Telephone _ Indicate preferred type of membership Annual Individual ($25) _Annual Senior Citizen/Student ($15) _Annual Family ($35) _Annual Patron ($75) _Annual Sustaining ($125) _Life ($1,000) I I Additional donations are welcome and needed. Volunteer help is also needed (check here or call). Detach and mail to: WCHS Memberships PO Box 167, Stillwater MN 55082 Membership includes subscription to Historical Whisperings. 12 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Our Mission The Washington County Historical Society collects, preserves, and disseminates the history of Washington County and the State of Minnesota. WCHS programs include book publication, speakers and workshops, historical reenactments, vintage base ball, school programs, exhibits, print and electronic newsletters, historical markers, and a history website (www.wchsmn.org) with links to other history organizations. Our goal is to provide an oppor- tunity for all county citizens to learn about and enjoy our area's history and to build a sense of community heritage. The Washington County Historical Society is uniquely situated to document early Minnesota history and to tell the story of immigrants from the eastern United States and Europe who settled the region in the mid -nineteenth century, The county's geographic connections to the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers place the county at the forefront of settlement and the estab- lishment of the territory and state. For this reason we have chosen our motto, Gateway to Minnesota History