Millerville Township School District # 72 about 1916

Brandon High School Band 1940

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

Brandon History Center Fall 2011 Newsletter

Brandon History Center 3rd Annual Meeting

Brandon Auditorium Restoration Phase II Moving Right Along

Brandon Auditorium Restoration Project Phase II has begun

Main floor accesible bathrooms preparations are underway.

Brandon Auditorium Restoration Phase II has begun

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

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

Brandon MN

Come in and visit with Muriel and Joanna.

Get your copy of the book signed personally.

Herbert Carlson

Millerville MN

Herbert Carlson Early 1900's

The Center Piece Summer 2011

Phase II of the Brandon Auditorium Restoration Project

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

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,

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,

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.

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

Brandon MN

Diner, many owners

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

Brandon MN

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