Brandon Mn History Center

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Bountiful Corn and Soybean Harvest right here in Brandon MN

In the grain bags pictured, there is approximately 80,000 bushels of soybeans
and 170,000 bushels of corn.

Between J. B. Tractors and Douglas County Highway Department

Pro Ag grain bags side view along Highway # 82

Across the street from Pro Ag and next door to Hilltop Lumber

In the lot next to the Slack building there is 80,000 bushels of soybeans.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Charles Rosengren owned 1st car in Brandon MN

Charles Rosengren lived in the house that used to be directly east of Brandon High School from 1908 - 1917. Some years later the house burned to the ground.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Remembering Joan Fjoslien

The members of the Brandon History Center, the Brandon City Council, the residents and so many visitors are so grateful to Joan for her generous donation and support of the Brandon History Center. She was the force that helped us to get started. Joan was a constant provider of encouragement. May she rest in peace.

Obituary for Joan Fjoslien

Joan Carol Erdahl Fjoslien died at Bethany on the morning of September 26, 2015 at the age of 80 years. On Thursday, September 24, 2015, Joan was asked about going to class at the Alex Technical College. She wrote “Absolutely I’m going to class. I feel PERFECT but have to struggle to stay awake.” Bethany Home in Alexandria became Joan’s home in March of 2006.

Joan was born on December 20, 1934, in Morris, Minnesota the daughter of Agnes (Sather) and Peter I. Erdahl. Joan was baptized on December 29, 1934, by Rev. Sverre Torgerson. Her Godparents were Aunt Mabel Sather and Uncle Richard Erdahl. Joan’s Christian Education was at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church at Donnelly, MN where she was confirmed by Rev. Alfred Sevig on August 28, 1949.

Joan’s education was at District #42, at Alberta School, and she graduated from Morris High School in 1953. Joan continued her education at Moorhead State College completing her BS degree. Joan taught third grade in Elbow Lake Elementary School from 1955-1958. In 1958, Joan taught at Whittier School in Austin, Minnesota and finished her teaching career in the Alexandria Public Schools teaching at Lincoln, Washington and Garfield Schools. Joan retired from teaching in 1991.

Joan married David Owen Fjoslien at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church on December 26, 1965 on her parents wedding anniversary. They purchased the Fjoslien family farm at Brandon that they operated until Dave’s death in December of 2004. Their home was then donated to a family through Habitat for Humanity to a family in need.

Joan was involved and gave generously to many organizations with her time and donations. Joan was involved with various churches, fishing organizations, food shelves, historical societies, local charities, musical organization, nursing homes, pet programs, schools, teaching opportunities and other organizations of interest to herself or those she knew.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Dave; infant brother, James Howard, parents: Agnes & Peter Erdahl.

Mrs. Fjoslien is survived by her sister-in-law. Lucille Fjoslien of San Francisco, CA; cousins: Russell (Eileen) Sather, Barbara (Bernie) Jahn, Carol Sather, Mick (Trish) Sather, Jim Sather, Barry Sather, Bonnie (Don) Sevre, Dorothy (Mike) Perry, Helen (John) Eidem, Betty Hilyard, Evelyn Rice, Bob Erdahl, Jean Gayle MacCallum, Donna Isabelle (Tracy) Black, Jim (Basha) MacCallum, Leland (Elva) Erdahl, Lois Mac McMillan and Bev Erdahl. Blessed be her memory.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015, 1:00 PM at Bethany Home Chapel in Alexandria. Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Center Piece Newsletter- Summer 2015

Friday, July 24, 2015

A Family Legacy - David and JoAnne Otto

It’s been 109 years and the David and JoAnne Otto farm still remains a family legacy. In 1906, JoAnne’s grandfather, Albert Lehn, moved to the land and started a dairy farm.

Albert’s sons Otto and Bernard Lehn both ran the farm and passed it on to JoAnne and her husband David Otto of Garfield.

David and JoAnne have four children, Brian, Brad, Stacy and Stef. Brad is currently the only child that lives on the now 68 acre farm and takes care of 54 beef cows. The other three children visit often.

JoAnne said the children want to keep the farm in the family; it’s just a matter of who will take over next.

The barn and house have been on the property since JoAnne’s grandfather, Albert, moved there. Both buildings have seen renovations and have been added on to.

Because it used to be a dairy farm, David used to milk up to 60 cows. “I learned there’s life after milking,” he joked. It is now mostly a crop farm.

Along with cattle and corn, the Ottos also raise peacocks.

The couple has lived on the property for 49 years. “Bought it when we got married,” David explained.

David not only farmed for nearly 50 years, but also volunteered for the Leaf Valley Fire Department for 40 years and teaches gun safety.

David and JoAnne joke that her job for many years was to haul the kids around.

“We couldn’t move if we wanted to,” JoAnne said with a laugh.

ABOUT THE HONOR

The Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau recognized 221 Minnesota farms as 2015 Century Farms.

Qualifying farms have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years and are 50 acres or more.