Brandon Mn History Center

Chili Contest at Brandon Auditorium

2012-01-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

Come join the fun!

Millerville Township School District # 72 about 1916

2011-12-06T16:49:00.001-08:00

Brandon High School Band 1940

2011-11-21T17:21:00.001-08:00

This picture was taken when the Historic Brandon Auditorium was only four years old.

Brandon History Center Fall 2011 Newsletter

2011-10-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Brandon History Center 3rd Annual Meeting

2011-09-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

Brandon Auditorium Restoration Phase II Moving Right Along

2011-09-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

Brandon Auditorium Restoration Project Phase II has begun

2011-08-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Main floor accesible bathrooms preparations are underway.

Brandon Auditorium Restoration Phase II has begun

2011-08-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Preparations being made for the installation of the new heating and airconditioning units which will be placed on the roof.

"Muriel " Book Signing August 6, 2011

2011-08-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

Joanna Sandbo Engstrom author of the book "Muriel" along with Muriel Olson Kappler.
In the back is Chris Korkowski of the Brandon History Center.

Muriel Kappler & Audrey Lerum

Lila Bergh & Joanna Engstrom

Dolly Thompson, Ruth Plaster, Joanna Engstrom & Muriel Kappler

Murial Kappler & Carol Severson

Dean Plaster, Joanna & Muriel

Joanna, Carol Severson, Murial & Myron Severson

History Center Visitors

Joanna, Muriel, Rita & Darold Plaster

Muriel Kappler & Dolly Thompson

Book Signing at the Brandon History Center

2011-07-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Come in and visit with Muriel and Joanna.

Get your copy of the book signed personally.

Herbert Carlson

2011-07-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN

Herbert Carlson Early 1900's

The Center Piece Summer 2011

2011-06-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

Phase II of the Brandon Auditorium Restoration Project

2011-06-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN
We need help to accomplish Phase II of the Brandon Auditorium Restoration Project. We hope to begin this part of the project in July of this year. Phase II will include a new heating and air conditioning system and a handicap restroom on the main floor. The cost of Phase II will be $249,000.00 and we still have $30,586.00 yet to raise. Donations of any size will be much appreciated and are tax exempt. Mail to Brandon History Center PO Box 514 Brandon MN 56315. Write Auditorium Restoration in the memo line of your check.
Thank you for your help !

Diner, Hortulana Goering & Mrs. Carey

2011-05-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN
This Great Northern railroad observation car was purchased by Jake and Hortulana Goering. In 1935 a special rig was hired to move the car from the railroad tracks to its new location about half a block east of the intersection of Hwy 52, later 82 and Cty Rd 7. Mrs. Carey was the first operator of the Diner.

Diner in background in 1935,

2011-05-04T11:26:00.001-07:00

Brandon MN

Frank's Standard Station was located on the corner of Hwy 52, later Hwy 82 and Cty Rd 7. The Diner can be seen in the background.

Diner addition 1944,

2011-05-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

A house-like building was added to the rear and used as a bar, pool hall and dining room with booths. The upstairs was used as living quarters.

Diner in the Debilzan years.

2011-05-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Melvin and Mary Debilzan were famous for turtle dinners and a great place to get a beer. They also sold some groceries. Notice Frank's Standard Station in the background.

Mary & Melvin Debilzan

2011-05-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Diner, many owners

2011-05-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Over the years there were many owners: Walt Miller, Jake Lutterman, John Koep, Orrvin Christopherson and Robert Lund. Others connected with the business were Mrs. Carey, Jerry Hughes, Jim Anderson, Victor Dorsch and Earl Olson. This picture shows the pool table and bar. When the train car was removed, a front section was added to the house and the name was changed to the Brandon Inn until January 1972. The new owners, Jim and Lola Hirtler changed the name to the Starlite Bar and Grill. They were open 10 AM to 1 AM, seven days a week.

Starlite Bar and Grill

2011-05-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

This picture was taken in 1989 shortly before the building was torn down.

Millerville Fire Department

2011-04-12T04:41:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN
Millerville firemen in a parade 1948.

Harvey Bolin & his Swallow 0 X 5 in 1931

2011-02-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

Harvey Bolin 1936

2011-02-26T05:21:00.000-08:00

Harvey Bolin 1930's

2011-02-26T05:18:00.000-08:00

Brandon MN
Harvey is parked at the corner of Front Street and Holmes Ave.

Harvey Bolin at his airplane hanger

2011-02-26T05:14:00.000-08:00

Brandon / Millerville

Hanger was located on Hwy 5 between Hwy 7 & 16.

Harvey Bolin 1941

2011-02-26T05:13:00.000-08:00

Harvey Bolin and his Piper J3 Cub 1954

2011-02-26T05:09:00.000-08:00

Brandon MN
Notice plane is on skis for landing on the lake.

Harvey Bolin with snow invention

2011-02-26T05:06:00.000-08:00

Brandon MN

Notice the propeller in the back.

Harvey Bolin

2011-02-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

Brandon MN

Harvey Bolin with his Losley Scout Biplane.

Chili Cook-Off Contest was held Feb. 11, 2011

2011-02-15T15:40:00.000-08:00

Brandon MN
Twelve teams competed for the best chili of the evening. Over 200 people attended the event and great fun was had by all. Everyone is looking forward to another contest next year. Some of the teams are already hatching their plans for new themes and how to spark up their recipes. The proceeds of the event go to the Brandon City Auditorium Restoration Project.
Be sure to go all the way to the end in order to see all twelve teams.

Integrity Title / Alexandria YMCA

2011-02-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

Received the Judges Choice Award for Best Chili

Brandon Fire Department

2011-02-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

Received Judges Choice Award for Second Place Chili

Brandon Lions Club

2011-02-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

Received the People's Choice Award for Best Chili

Gardonville Telephone / Brandon Communications

2011-02-15T15:28:00.000-08:00

Received the Theme Award for fun and interesting

table design and apparel.

The Odd Couple

2011-02-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Hilltop Lumber

2011-02-15T15:26:00.000-08:00

Moe 4-H Club

2011-02-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Echo Press

2011-02-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

Brew Crew

2011-02-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

Ravishing Ruby Red Hats

2011-02-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

Orb Management Corp.

2011-02-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Design Tree Engineering

2011-02-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

Chili Contest Judges

2011-02-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

Joe Korkowski, Ben Rusch & Doug Johnson

Plenty of Chili for everyone.

2011-02-15T15:12:00.000-08:00

Front Street & Railroad Tracks

2011-02-11T06:05:00.000-08:00

Brandon MN

1890 - Notice the wind mill for the city well on Front Street. You can see that there are three elevators at this time and the lumber yard is in operation. The Great Northern Depot is on the North side of the tracks.

Now you can see that the depot has been moved to the South side of the tracks. Notice the passengers on the station platform. Click on the picture to make it larger so that you get a better view. Don't miss the depot out-house to the south of the building and the smoke rising above the roof of the depot which comes from the steam engine.

The number of freight cars on this side track will tell you that the lumber yard and the grain elevators are thriving businesses.

Bus route students from Brandon & Millerville

2011-02-02T04:51:00.000-08:00

Brandon/Millerville

Ted Plaster was the school bus driver.

Millerville School Bus 1944

2011-01-24T22:43:00.000-08:00

Millerville MN

William Danelke was the bus driver.

Chili Cookoff Contest

2011-01-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

January 2011 Issue of The Center Piece

2011-01-11T06:05:00.001-08:00

Snow fall in the 1930's

2010-12-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

Brandon MN

After a big snow storm a Great Northern Railroad locomotive snow plow would go down the railroad tracks first. Then the track workmen would finish up the job around the signal posts and the spots in the tracks where the tracks switched from one track to the other. A signal post and that switching point can be seen in this picture. Notice the little hand car that the workers use to travel back and forth on the tracks.

Tony Skrove General Trucking Service

2010-11-19T15:22:00.001-08:00

Brandon MN

Tony Skrove General Trucking Service in the late 1920's. He hauled freight from the Great Northern Railway and just about anything else that folks wanted hauled. Click on the picture to enlarge. Notice the telephone number of 62. Chains on the rear tires made him ready for the snow.

http://www.razoo.com

2010-11-18T16:55:00.000-08:00

Check out the following website:

http://www.razoo.com/

In the white box type in Brandon History Center.

Click on the small picture of the Brandon Auditorium.

2nd Annual Chili Cookoff Contest

2010-11-11T06:43:00.000-08:00

Brandon MN

Save February 11, 2011 as the date that you plan to join the fun and activities at the 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff Contest at the Brandon Auditorium. More information will follow at a later date.

John H. Kolling, Millerville

2010-10-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN
This ad was run in the Brandon Echo Press on Jan. 9, 1902.

Historic Brandon Auditorium " Looks Beautiful "

2010-09-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Fall 2010 Issue of The Center Piece

2010-09-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

Advertising from old Douglas County map

2010-09-13T11:08:00.001-07:00

Millerville MN

Advertising from old Douglas County map

2010-09-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN

New sidewalks being poured Ausust 17, 2010

2010-08-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Can you help to make Phase 2 of the Historic Brandon Auditorium restoration a reality?

Phase 1 of the restoration project is nearing completion. Phase 2 will include heating and air conditioning. Soon we will be making applications for matching fund grants for Phase 2.

For this we desperately need more local donations.

Donations are tax deductible per IRS 501 (c)(3)

Any size donation would be a great help !

Make check payable to the Brandon History Center.

Write Auditorium Restoration Fund in the memo space.

Send to: Brandon History Center PO # 514 Brandon MN 56315

Thank You !

Nick Miller Livestock Trucking

2010-07-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN
Advertisement in the Douglas County Telephone Company book of 1938. Be sure to notice the telephone number?

St. Mary's First Communion Class

2010-07-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN

The First Holy Communion Class at St. Mary's Catholic School in Millerville MN was taken in about 1951.

Brandon Auditorium Restoration July 12th

2010-07-12T10:38:00.001-07:00

Brandon MN

Work is being done to repair and update the sewer connections.

The workers are also demolishing the old unused water cistern which was located under the front sidewalk. This is being done to help eliminate unwanted basement moisture.

Brandon Auditorium Restoration July 9th

2010-07-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Repairs to the chimney have begun.

Brandon Auditorium Restoration July 6, 2010

2010-07-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN
A worker from the Building Restoration Corporation of Minneapolis is removing the old cracked and crumbling mortar from around the windows and between the rocks.

Brandon Auditorium Restoration June 22, 2010

2010-06-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Building Restoration Corp. is busy removeing the metal signs from the building and power washing the exterior.

Brandon Auditorium Restoration Begins June 14

2010-06-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN
Excitement is in the air at 105 Holmes Avenue in the City of Brandon!

At the June meeting, the City Council awarded contracts for the restoration:
Concrete - Bitzan-Ohren
Masonry - Building Restoration Corp.
Carpentry - BCS, Inc.
Roofing - Membrane Roofing -
Roof I
Finishes - Beers Painting
Electrical - Lennes Bros.
Total projected cost for Phase I - $254,390.
Renovations began Monday, June 14, 2010. As we all know, 75 years have taken a huge toll on the building, and the need to make repairs is apparent. Fundraising efforts by the community and funds appropriated by the City of Brandon have made it possible to begin Phase I of the project. Phase I is expected to be finished in time for our Summerfest. You will be able to follow the progress of the project on the ORB Management web site at: http://orbmanagement.biz/agree.html with the following username and password. Username: BrandonAud Password: remodel$ Above you can see that the concrete sidewalks have been removed. Below is BCS, Inc. in the process of demolishing the east entrance to the current History Center(old Fire Hall/City Hall entrance) which will be totally restored to its original design.

Original Brandon Auditorium 1936

2010-06-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

The original Brandon Auditorium was completed in 1936 and included the Brandon Fire Department Fire Hall.

Notice the four white doors and the small windows.

Brandon Auditorium June 12, 2010

2010-06-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Picture of the Brandon Auditorium June 12, 2010 which includes the original fire hall converted to the City Hall, which is now occupied by the History Center. Notice that when the Fire Hall was moved next door, the east entry to the City Hall was changed from its original design.

Architect's Rendering

2010-06-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN
The architect's rendering of how the east entries will look after Phase I has been completed, bringing the Hall back to its original design.

Snow May 4, 1954

2010-05-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN
Linus Korkowski of rural Millerville on May 4, 1954.

He told me that sitting on that little stool was very cold.

Meat Market

2010-04-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Leo Smedstad and Oscar Pladson bought the Brandon Meat Market in 1928 from former owner, Chris Therkildson. This photo was taken in the early 1950's.

Meat Market Location on Front Street

2010-04-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

This picture of Front Street was taken in approximately 1954. Notice that the Meat Market was next door to what is now the present City Offices located at 115 East Front Street.

Meat Market

2010-04-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

First Meat Market built approximately 1890. Notice the scales up front.

Fat's Lorsung Beer Joint in Millerville

2010-03-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN

Left t0 Right: Fat's Lorsung, Budsie Zerden, ____________, Gabby Schwegler, Martin Rosenthal, John Pischke, Otto Lehn, Vince Freske, Henry Brooks, Burt McClay, Bill Shea.

Does anyone know who the third gentleman is?

Construction of the Brandon Auditorium 1936

2010-02-26T04:31:00.000-08:00

Brandon MN

These four children were playing in the sand pile, which was used to make cement and mortar, at the construction site. Zoom up on the picture and you will be able see the scaffolding and the outline of the building behind. The children all lived within two blocks of the construction site. Left to right: Betty Bolin, Duane Augdahl, Ardyce Anderson and Eugene Stene. Ardyce Anderson's father was Gust Anderson, the foreman of building project.

Construction of US Highway # 52 Brandon MN

2009-10-30T16:33:00.001-07:00

Brandon MN

East of Brandon. View from the East. 1200 pounds of dynamite was used in this blasting. Zoom up on this picture and you can see the old St. Ann's Catholic Church to the far right. This highway is now known as County Road # 82.

Construction of US Highway # 52 Brandon MN

2009-10-30T16:23:00.001-07:00

Brandon MN

East of Brandon. View from the East. Notice to the far left there is a white house. The present address for this house is 11622 County Rd 82. There was 1200 pounds of dynamite used for this blasting. While this was taking place the children from the Brandon School were sent home because there was fear that light fixtures might fall on them. This highway is now known as County Road # 82.

Construction of US Highway # 52 Brandon MN

2009-10-30T16:21:00.001-07:00

Brandon MN

Moon Lake hill after blasting.

Spectators were allowed to watch from the safety of the Brandon City Park. This highway is now known as County Road # 82

Construction of US Highway # 52 Brandon MN

2009-10-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Highway construction crew working on the Moon Lake Hill. This highway is now known as County Road # 82.

Construction of US Highway # 52 Brandon MN

2009-10-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Notice the Chippewa Lutheran Church in the back ground. Take a good look at the cars and trucks. This highway is now known as County Road # 82. This picture shows the intersecion with County Highway # 7.

Construction of US Highway # 52 Brandon MN

2009-10-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN
Highway # 52 was the first concrete highway put in with the help of mule teams in the early 1930's. This highway is now known as County Road # 82.

Telephone Office 1923

2009-09-24T21:33:00.001-07:00

Brandon MN

This telephone office was located at approximately 207 Front Street in Brandon MN. In the picture the telephone operator seated is Gertrude Stariha Renkes. The one standing behind her is Hildegard Stariha Loeffler. The lineman and technician is Carl Bolin.

Homemade Tractor 1915-1916

2009-09-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN

Peter Bitzan with homemade tractor built in 1915-1916. Chassis from an old steam engine, Witte engine, tank in front for cooling. First gas tractor used for threshing in Millerville township.

Millerville Welding Shop 1937

2009-09-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN

William Thoennes working in the Millerville welding shop in 1937

Millerville Baseball Team 1944

2009-08-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN

Back row in hats: Ben Byrne and Martin Korkowski

Middle row: Maurice Wagner, Bill Byrne, Clarence Byrne,

Nick Bitzan, Miles Wagner, Richard Wagner

Front row: Harold Roers, Hubert Shea, Vicky Thoennes,

Florian Wilken,(Wilfred Wilken or Bud Miller?)

Brandon Postmasters Since 1861

2009-07-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Henry Gager, the first settler in the area, handled the mail at the J.C. Burbank and Company stage station at Fort Chippewa. He was officially appointed postmaster at what was called Chippewa Lake in February of 1861. The postal site was discontinued in October of 1863 when the area was evacuated due to an Indian uprising. It was reestablished in February of 1867. In November of 1869 the name was changed to Brandon and was moved two miles south of Fort Chippewa to a location closer to the new railroad line.

Original Brandon Post Office

2009-07-26T16:15:00.001-07:00

Brandon MN

The original Brandon post office was located at approximately 207 Front Street. A new post office was built in 1959 one block west of the original site, at the corner of Front Street and Central Avenue.

Brandon Post Office during Christmas rush about 1951

2009-07-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Henry Johnson, rural mail carrier. Delores Schwartz, clerk. Walter Hoving, postmaster.

Emily M. Seidlinger Drexler Postmaster of Brandon

2009-07-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Emily M. Seidlinger Drexler was the postmaster in Brandon from November 1914 until her retirement in April of 1951. This picture may have been taken during World War II. Notice the Defense Window in the picture.

Brandon Post Office Workers in the 1950"s

2009-07-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Henry Johnson rural mail carrier for 33 years. Clarence Johnson rural mail carrier for 40 years. Margaret Lehn postal worker. Emily Drexler postmaster for over 36 years.

Henry Johnson's Mail Delivery Snowmobile

2009-07-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Henry Johnson's home made snowmobile used to deliver mail to rural residents.

Henry Johnson's Rough Road Mail Delivery Vehicle

2009-07-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Henry Johnson's rough road home made rural mail delivery vehicle

Historic Brandon Auditorium

2009-07-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Front Street in Brandon MN

2009-06-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Turn of the century picture.

Ruppelius General Merchandise store was on the corner of Front Street and Central Avenue. In 1880's the corner business was a CoOperative Store. In the early 1900's it was Rupplelius & Leitzinger General Merchandise. Holmgren and Christensen became owners of the building in later years. This is the present location of the Brandon U.S. Post Office.

Larsen, Peterson & Co.

2009-06-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

This store was located at approximately

108 Front Street. It is the third building in this block on Front Street.

Larsen, Peterson & Co.

2009-06-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

This post card is dated 1909. Notice that the Larsen, Peterson & Co. is the third business on the block. Approximate address is 108 Front St.

K.P. Joos Hardware Store

2009-06-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Millerville MN

Left to Right: Karl Joos, Nick Klimek, Bernard Klimek & Engebert Gluba

The Echo - - - - Brandon, Minn.

2009-06-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

The Echo was advertising for printing jobs in the early 1900's.

Wold Brothers General Merchandise Store

2009-06-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

This building was constructed in 1898 at 109 Central Avenue North in Brandon. There were living quarters upstairs with both an inside and an outside stairway. A well was dug on the south side of the building and the pump was installed on the second floor landing or porch. Carl A. Wold and his brothers, John, Ole and Pete, were engaged in the general merchandising business in this building for seven years, and at this time Carl published the Brandon Echo. Three years later he moved to Alexandria where he reorganized the paper and named it the Park Region Echo. In 1914 he became a member of the Legislature. His wife, Eva Emerson Wold, was at one time Douglas County Superintendent of Schools. No exact date has been found as to when the building was converted to a feed and seed store. Albert Haber was the manager of the business when John Renkes came to work in the mill J.O. Renkes purchased the business in 1920 and continued to run it until 1977. The building was taken down in 1986.

Carl A. Wold

2009-06-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

Brandon MN

Owner of the Wold Brothers General Merchandise Store along with John, Ole and Pete Wold. Carl began to publish the Brandon Echo in the late 1890's. Later he moved to Alexandria where he started the Park Region Echo.