The most imminent threat to Phelps Mill, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is fire. If struck by lightning the wood frame building would be destroyed in minutes. Period photographs indicate that at least three lightning rods were on the mill as early as 1900. When the mill closed in 1939, the rods remained on the roof until 1965 when the county board purchased the site as a county park. Shortly thereafter, the rods were removed when the roof was repaired and shingles replaced.
A book on the historical development of the built environment of Montevideo was published by the Clean Up the River Environment group. The full-color, softcovered book of photographs was researched, developed and written by authors: Dr. Odell M. Bjerkness, Wayne R. Ostlie and Dr. Paul E. Ostlie. The book details the pictorial history of Montevideo, and its vicinity, from 1870-1940. 1000 copies were stipulated for this project.
To document in 8-9 oral history interviews the role the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center played in helping to achieve community stability in North Minneapolis, 1965-1972.
A new interpretive exhibit was installed in the North Gallery of the History Center of Olmsted County. The exhibit examines the interaction between culture, place and the environment. Comparisons between the natural and the man-made help to inform perceptions of home and the familiar. The public is able to explore the relationship of the built environment to the natural environment.
To revitalize our Dakota language and increase the use of our language through classes, immersion efforts and activities promoting Dakota use throughout the community.
To acquire professional services for an assessment of structural condition preparatory for preservation and reuse of the drive tunnel infrastructure of the Pillsbury A Mill, a National Historic Landmark
The East Bank Energy Center would re-use existing, historic tunnels and drop shafts attached to the National Historic Landmark Pillsbury A Mill building to produce hydrothermal energy for heating and cooling. The existing tunnels would contain flat plate heat exchangers and the drop shafts would contain turbines. These technologies would replace traditional heating and cooling systems to serve the A Mill and a community micro-grid. This application seeks funding for the consultant who will perform an initial site visit and recommend a scope for a larger study.
To enhance fairgoers experience of arts programming at the Pine County Fair. A new sound system and sun screen for the arts and culture stage will allow the fair to bring more diverse events and artisans to the fair. These additions will allow the fair to offer several bands that play historic music, a chainsaw artist, and a cattle dog demonstration.
Conservators completed a detailed Condition Report for a 90-year-old 1919 Waterous Fire Engine owned by the Pine River Fire Department. The extent of original finish present is unusually extensive in an engine of this age and the Pine River Fire Department was advised to maintain as much of the original finish as possible. They were also advised to improve the storage/display environment as necessary to provide optimal conditions, which will benefit the long term preservation of this significant object.
