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by DENISE MARTIN

The transition that the Chisago County Historical Society has undergone over the winter is perfectly timed for the big reveal this spring season, assuming there is one.  In just a couple days--Saturday,  April 21-- the historical society volunteers’ hard work over the last few months will be in the public eye.  

There’s a Chisago County History Center Open House that begins with the society annual business meeting at 2 p.m.  Doors open for visitors afterwards 2:30 to 3 p.m.  The address is 12785 Lake Boulevard, Lindstrom 55045.  Refreshments will be on-hand.  Come prepared for doing some family tree investigating you have wanted to get started on.  Or,  roam among exhibit cases filled with local small town memorabilia.   Find out how you can become involved in the historical society,  maybe get an individual membership and show your support for the work being done to preserve and interpret local history.  Funding for the organization from the county budget is only about $25,000.

Volunteers have been unwrapping and displaying artifacts long kept in storage by the society.  Shelves have been built, display areas delineated, doors and wall coverings installed.  

The museum now exhibits (many donated) items ranging from ancient wooden clogs to a unique vintage metal cylinder-shaped drinking fountain rescued from Furuby School.  

Society spokesperson Lin Strong said this mainstreet research center and museum space in Lindstrom is exactly what was needed.   It is sitting  right on the main street, has big windows and lots of street presence.  

The society had been based inside a Lindstrom residence, donated, and very much appreciated; but the broken-up Victorian floor plan didn’t handle groups well and wasn’t very flexible.  This house, 13112 Third Avenue North, is now for sale.

The sale of a second property the society owned-- Gustaf’s, on the same street a few blocks away from the History Center-- provided the cash infusion for what’s going on now.

Strong made a point to thank former pharmacy and gift store owners Vida and Gordy Meland, for their generosity in working with the society for the acquisition. Display cases the gift store used for years are now holding historical society treasures. “And, we didn’t even have to move them in, they were already here,” Strong remarked.  

The left side of the property is laid out for quiet reading, computer access and records research.  The west (right) side is the museum and public event space with natural light flooding in from the streetfront.  The society cut a door in between the two spaces and can use both or one side at a time.


 

 





 

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