November 2010

Tom Greene, an artist then living in the New Richmond area, had the vision to recognize New Richmond's valuable steamboat era, history, and some of the remaining old buildings from that era. Tom Greene and Bill Corwin, whose interest Tom had enlisted, proposed to form a historic organization, buy the house at 125 George St., and establish a museum there. This house was one of several in town that typified the excellent old homes reminiscent of the steamboat era. The Ross-Gowdy House, located at 125 George Street is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1990, the Ohio Historical Society contracted with Historic New Richmond, Inc., to manage Grant's Birthplace in Point Pleasant, Ohio. Ulysses S. Grant was born April 27, 1822 in picturesque Point Pleasant near the mouth of Big Indian Creek at the Ohio River. The restored one-story, three-room cottage, which was built in 1817, was next to the tannery where Grant's father worked. The small cottage is furnished with period items. At one time the birthplace made an extensive tour of the United States on a railroad flatcar and was also temporarily displayed on the Ohio State Fair grounds.

The Blue Earth County Historical Society employs many tactics in order to keep the history of the county alive for generations. With the help of volunteers, the exhibit hall is always filled with new displays. Walk in or take a group tour to see exhibits ranging from native american artifacts to the history of steamboats on the Minnesota River. Also, the Blue Earth County Historical Society has restored the late 19th century Hubbard House. Take a tour of the house in order to see home decor dating from the early 20th century.

This was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs--King Kalakaua, who built the Palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili`uokalani.

During the monarchy period, the Palace was the center of social and political activity in the Kingdom of Hawai`i. Though its grandeur was neglected after the overthrow of the monarchy, restoration began in the 1970s through efforts of concerned individuals.

A group of twenty-two interested individuals met at the Henry County Courthouse on February 24, 1970, for the purpose of organizing a historical society. Robert Gilson was the presiding offficer. The stated purpose of the meeting was to form a historical society within the county to perpetuate the county, to learn about and preserve the past of the county, and to generate interest in the past of the count.

Three persons, Nat Belknap, E. Howard Bond and Genevieve Eicher, were selected to act as trustees to request the State of Ohio permission to bring the organization of the historical society into full status of an incorporation. Harold Hoff was elected to act as a statutory agent. The Articles of Incorporation were signed. Fifteen trustees were selected and were as follows: Marion Greenler, Herman Wesche, Julian Luebker, Robert Mann, Freida Bruns, Russell Patterson, Emmett Mann, Ed Peper, Lillian Reiser, Eldor Gathman, Henry Eggers, Nat Belknap, Robert Gilson, Harold Hoff and Genevieve Eicher. Elected as president was Judge Robert Gilson, secretary was Harold Hoff, and treasurer as Marion Greenler.

Built in 1838 by Governor John Adams Kuakini (cousin of King Kamehameha), Hulihe`e Palace remained until 1916 a vacation spa for Hawai`ian royalty. The historic two-story structure, now a museum, has been restored to the Kalakaua period and features ancient Hawai`ian artifacts and treasured heirlooms. Majestically surrounded by an expanse of lawn and trees, Hulihe`e Palace stands on the shores of Kailua-Kona on the Island of Hawai`i across from Mokuaikaua Church, a handsome coral and lava structure arduously built by the island's first Christians.

The Becker County Historical Society continues to preserve the history of its people for the next generations. With a multitude of research databases including marriage and death records, the society will help find any information possible.

The original Board of Trustees consisted of Clarence Erickson (the mayor at that time), Jim Cunningham, Alison Rink, Paul Prevey, Hope Kain, Caroline Schwenkmeyer, Ed Steinau, Warren Harding, and Millard Rogers. Twenty-five years later, Mr. Erickson and Mr. Rogers are still active Board members.

The first undertaking of the fledgling organization was to develop a landscape plan for the Village Square. As of June 1981, the group had $972.94 in the Treasury and met in the Council Chambers. The following year, MPF drafted a Master Plan for the Village, installed two antique lamps in front of the Municipal Building, planted trees in the Village Square, presented photos of the early Village taken by Nancy Ford Cones, and began a street lamp preservation project with financial support from the Emery Memorial.

The Dillon House represents one of Fremont’s finest Victorian-era homes. It was constructed over the course of two years and is of a Towered Second Empire design. Elaborate pediments surmount the windows. Dental molding and cornices accentuate the first floor roofline. The double front doors and paneled foyer were fashioned from black walnut, while the rest of the home’s woodwork is of butternut. Interior rooms feature elaborate plasterwork and ornate stenciling. A profusion of walk-in closets is further testament to the family’s wealth, since such closets were considered luxury items and subject to additional taxation.

The Anoka County Historical Society is dedicated to honoring the memory of past residents through different exhibits and collections. Currently, the museum has an exhibit on the efforts of women during American wartimes as well as a look at the history of the fire and police departments in charge of keeping the county safe. In addition, the historical society offers walking tours of Anoka County.

Rutherford B. Hayes' uncle and guardian, Sardis Birchard, constructed the original portion of the home between 1859 and 1863 as a summer home he could share with his nephew and young family. Construction took five years because materials and labor were difficult to obtain during the American Civil War. The two story brick home had eight bedrooms and a wrap-around verandah. Rutherford B. Hayes particularly loved the verandah. In 1873 he wrote in his diary, "The best part of the present house is the veranda. But I would enlarge it. I want a veranda with a house attached!" Hayes spent the next 20 years planning additions and improvements to his home and estate, much as Thomas Jefferson had with his beloved Monticello.