Isanti County Historical Society

_Members of the International Coleman Collectors Club (ICCC) generously donated a very rare period–matching Coleman PQ QuickLite Chandelier and a Coleman CQ QuickLite Lamp to replace Historic St. John’s keepsakes which were destroyed in the Isanti County Historical Society arson fire in July of 2011.

These rare antiques (circa 1917) will be prominently displayed during the two ‘Lessons and Carols’ style programs to be held on Sunday afternoon, January 8, 2012, at the Historic church. The public is cordially invited to share in these Historic reenactment presentations – a German language program at 2:00 pm – and an English language Lessons, Carols & Candles program at 4:00 pm.

Relive the Christmas-season–ending program like German immigrants to Isanti County did back in 1882, when the Historic Church was built. Join in singing several ‘near and dear’ Christmas carols and hear the ‘Lessons’ in the Native German language. Join in a celebratory candle lighting ceremony guaranteed to deliver a ‘tug at the heart strings’, while singing ‘Silent Night’ as this one-of-a-kind holiday event concludes. Come and share in this delightful event – and check out the Antique Chandelier and Lamp, too.

The Historic Church is located 2 1/2 miles west of Isanti on County Rd 5 NW. Historic St. John’s is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been restored to its original condition by the Friends of Historic St. John’s, which sponsors and programs these unique events. A suggested $5.00 per adult contribution will offset presentation costs, and further assist in continuing the on–going renovation/restoration efforts.

__Another example of a Carlson Photo negative saved from the fire. This little gal surely has personality. Does anyone know who it could be?

So this is 2012, the New Year, Week 26, and the Isanti County Historical Society is ready to face the year ahead of change and decision. Change is really hard. We all like the comfort of tried and true ways to conduct business and do our jobs, even move through life. We do everything the same, over and over, never looking to see if there is a better way, or another way, until something happens, or breaks that changes the rhythm of the task.

 

This is what happened to the historical society. Overnight everything that we knew was gone. Our job descriptions were no longer valid (and I hate to have to write new ones, too), the tools we used to do our jobs were gone and we were broken at a massive scale. In 2012, the board, staff, volunteers and those with a passion for history are working at various levels to find other ways, hopefully better ways, to restore the rhythms of our business.

 

This is a very exciting time to think that we have a clean slate and can transform the business of history into a different form in Isanti County. In a world where information is readily available on the web, and technology is changing faster than anyone could ever have imagined, ICHS is determining how we fit in. Our collections are specific to Isanti County. What services can we provide to those interested in those collections? What types of expertise do we need to provide said services? How will those positions be funded, now and into the future?

 

David Grabitske of the Minnesota Historical Society presents five 21st Century challenges to local historical organizations <http://discussions.mnhs.org/mnlocalhistory/blog/2011/11/28/five-early-21st-century-challenges/> and we are not unique in trying to determine how we fit in and the questions we need to ask about how to remain viable and relevant to our community. How to fulfill our mission, how to satisfy 21st Century customer expectations, what types of workers are needed, how to remain fiscally solvent in a world of programmatic funding, what to collect, how much to collect and how to make it accessible. Everyone wants to know how to affect change in positive ways, including ICHS. We just have to also consider a few other variables in order to move forward.

 

We also have the decision of where… to relocate or rebuild? Another team of folks are doing research to determine the availability of alternate locations with suitable space, affordable rent, easy access, etc. Then we will move on to determine the costs of relocation or rebuilding? How much fundraising will we need to do, regardless of the location? Pros and cons will be weighed in order for the appropriate decisions to be made.

 

2012 is a pivotal year for the Isanti County Historical Society. These are huge decisions, all of which we have been trying to break into smaller steps so that we can manage them. Our intent is that knowing what type of services we provide will drive what type of location, or facility we rebuild. The final variable to the equation, however, is money in hand, and future funding.

 

This is a very exciting time for ICHS and the county’s history. Want a unique journey in 2012, a means by which to stretch your knowledge, meet new people, add to your resume, or just become involved as a volunteer. Knowing all that is ahead, I invite anyone who is interested in preserving the history of Isanti County, or that wants to be part of this legwork and decision making to call me. Change is in the air this year and I can’t wait to see what evolves.



Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.



Kathleen J. McCully, Executive Director

Isanti County Historical Society

 

Visit www.ichs.ws and join our eNewsletter mailing list, or LIKE us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on our progress

___Santa Claus and Kathy Lindgren McCully, c. 1950s. “I don’t remember what I asked for then, but now I would ask for time to be turned back to before the arson fire. But since this cannot happen, my wish is for a better year ahead, a new Heritage Center, more volunteers, new members (young and old and in between), and a renewed appreciation of Isanti County history. What do you think?” Merry Christmas from the Isanti County Historical Society…Enjoy those gifts!

by Kathleen J. McCully, Executive Director
Isanti County Historical Society

As it happens, Week 24 after the fire falls just before Christmas. This is a time when everyone is looking forward to giving and receiving gifts from their friends and family. So while your gifts will be wrapped in festive paper and bows, ours are freeze-dried and packed in sixty-one boxes.  

A plan has been formulated on how to inventory and process each box. ICHS has been very lucky in having Marilyn McGriff, the first executive director of the society, working with us. Marilyn set up all of the filing systems during her tenure, and was familiar with many of the documents and items that were in our collection. Now, after having worked with technology and libraries, she is volunteering time to assist in the identification, prioritizing, processing and cataloging. Her time and talent is a gift that is truly beyond measure.

While we will not be processing and cataloging in full force until after the first of the year, Marilyn has been going through a few of the boxes to see if our process will work. After the fire, we had a crew of about 12-15 folks retrieving items, sorting, wrapping and freezing them. Opening each box now is like opening a Christmas present to ICHS. As Marilyn has been doing so, she has discovered a few things that are almost unscathed: Several scrapbooks of newspaper clippings from the local area; records of the Cambridge WCTU; Isanti County Arts Guild records with some photos of events; memorabilia from the Cambridge American Legion; Justice of the Peace dockets from Braham, 1950s; and file folders of information about several of the cross-roads communities in the county. We do celebrate these small gifts as we move forward.

However, there are many more items that were partially burnt in these boxes as well, and this is still a very dirty, sooty, smelly job. We can’t wear nice clothes, must wear masks and gloves, we have a hepa-filter air purifier running to pull stray particles from the air, and expect that we will be making a grand mess of things as we move forward. In spite of this, my staff and many volunteers continue to come back, day-after-day, week after week-to-work and clean up daily. They are all a gift to me and to the history of Isanti County, because this task could not be accomplished by one or two people alone.

As you celebrate this season with family and friends, Isanti County Historical Society thanks you for your gifts, whether they are photos, historical information, old business or civic organization records, oral histories, family histories, volunteer time and talent, monetary donations or moral support. Remember, this is a marathon for us all, not a sprint and we thank you for accompanying us on this journey.

Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.

__Musicians unknown, time frame unknown. If you can identify this group, let us know at 763-689-4229 or email ichs@izoom.net. I bet they played great dance music!

Week 23 since the fire and the holidays are almost upon our lovely county. This weekend I found myself on both sides of the stage--as a performer with the East Central Grad Band, and as a concertgoer at a Celtic Thunder concert. Both made me think about the everlasting gift of music, heritage and traditions.

I have played the baritone/euphonium since 5th grade…almost 50 years now. Remembering band lessons, school concerts, contests in high school, and marching band I have great memories and a few really good stories to tell. The East Central Grad Band is the “frosting on the cake” for me as I get to entertain the community, make friends from all walks of life and of different ages, and play music ranging from contemporary to traditional (depending on conductor Lynn Wedlund’s choices, of course). Never would I have thought in 5th grade that I would be playing with a band now. Music is a part of my heritage, but it didn’t just start then.

Celtic Thunder performed songs and played instruments that are very common in their part of the world in celebrating their Irish heritage, The concert was attended by ages from 10 to 100 and amid the laughter, clapping and cheering (and that was just from the performers themselves), I can definitely say that everyone had an excellent time. What a novel idea…combining music and heritage to entertain!

Our ancestors were also performers and musicians. My great-grandfather, Korp Eric Olson was a notable fiddle player in Sweden, who immigrated around the age of 50 to start a new life in North America. Traveling from Sweden he brought with him two violins, and continued to play until his death. Eric, and other immigrant musicians I am sure, brought with them the musical heritage of the old country, which was played, passed down, and eventually evolved into Swedish-American, or perhaps German-American music. What a wonderful gift to leave those that follow.

In the 1940’s, my mom Eileen was given an accordion. She has told me how she sat on the washtub and worked until she finally figured out how to play that accordion. Playing only by ear, she plays some of the Swedish-American tunes, and she even played with a polka band before she was married. She still has that accordion and I marvel at the idea that she plays by ear. Music and heritage at work again!

It seems that not all bands and musicians are as well-known as the East Central Grad Band or Celtic Thunder. Over the past 150 years of Isanti County’s existence, there have been community bands, school bands and orchestras, chorals and choirs, theatrical musicians, traveling musician’s, and even family bands. I have enclosed a photo of a band that was found in the Carlson negatives. I bet this family had a great time performing, sharing their music and heritage to audiences everywhere. If anyone can identify this group and/or the time period, please let ICHS know.

So whether music is in your blood or not, you are an entertainer or performance attendee, as the years pass and generations come and go, remember to share your heritage with others, carry out a long-standing tradition or establish a new tradition this season. Entertain by sharing your memories and family stories, and play that instrument that is collecting dust in the closet. Passing all this on to your descendants is the most wonderful gift of all. Most importantly, keep playing the music … tunes old and new and everywhere in between. Music and Heritage--these things will not change if we don’t let them.

Over the next two weeks, when the entire world will all be busy with family and friends, ICHS is taking a break before the hard-core processing of salvaged materials is started. The office will be taking phone calls and emails, but will not be open until Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Year-end donations toward operating expenses are greatly appreciated and can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.


Kathleen J. McCully, Executive Director
Isanti County Historical Society

_You are cordially invited celebrate the ending of the Christmas Holiday season in the same way as the German immigrants to Minnesota did almost 130 years ago. Two programs will be presented on Epiphany Sunday, January 8, 2012, at the Historic St. John’s Lutheran Church of Bradford, located at 900 County Rd 5 NW, just 2 1/2 miles west of Isanti.

The program at 2:00 pm is entitled: Lessons and Carols in the German Style (Lesungen und Weinachtslieder – im Deutschen stil) – a traditional German Language service based on the nine lessons & carols format – but using the German language (with English sub-titles), and with traditional German Christmas carols, in a format recreating the ambiance as it would have been back in 1882, when the Historic Church was built.

The program at 4:00 pm is entitled: A Most Beautiful Candlelight Service – again a nine lessons & carols program and presented in modern English – with the Christmas carols you know and love – favorites from years gone by. Revel in the enchantment created as the setting sun slowly disappears in the windows, only to be supplanted by the shimmering lights in the interior – created by kerosene wall lamps, hanging gas chandelier lamps, and the flickering light from real candles on the real Christmas tree.

Each program will be concluded with the giving of a traditional Christmas program goodie bag to each attendee (just like the one you got after the church program when you were young), and a gala reception featuring traditional German treats: Christstollen (German Christmas cake), several kinds of Lebkuchen (gingerbread style German cookies), Spekulatius (German spice cookies), and hot apple cider and coffee.

Historic St. John’s is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been restored to it’s original condition by the Friends of Historic St. John’s, which sponsors and programs these unique events. A suggested $5.00 per adult contribution will offset presentation costs, and further assist in continuing the on–going renovation/restoration efforts. Come and share in a delightful event.

__Recovered negative from the fire showing Isanti County residents gathered for a group photo. Year unknown, event unknown, but judging by the outfits, perhaps 1920s or 1930s.

Since last week was Thanksgiving, article deadlines were on Friday and not Monday. Therefore, I missed my deadline and you did not hear from ICHS in what was Week 20 after the fire. That is only 5 months. A lot has happened in this short time, and believe it or not, there is much for which Isanti County Historical Society can be thankful.

 

To refresh everyone’s memory about Friday, July 8, the Isanti County Historical Society Heritage Center was totally destroyed by an arson fire early that morning. Isanti County history literally went up in flames, as well as the hard work, hopes and dreams that took 46 years to amass. By the end of August the building was demolished, and all recovered archives and artifacts were either hand-dried, laundered, or off to be freeze dried. When all was said and done, we estimate a loss of 80% of all artifacts and archives, and 100% of everything else.

 

We are first and foremost thankful that no lives were lost during the fire. No one was in the building, and no firefighters were hurt. Our antique mannequin, Inga, however, was nowhere to be found. Next, while we were all pretty much in shock, help came from all directions to be sure that we did what was needed to appropriately save the most important items. Multiple historical societies from various parts of the state offered assistance, local businesses gave us whatever we needed to set up a temporary recovery area, fed volunteers, donated vests, gloves, hardhats, crates for the wet and fire-damaged documents and freezer paper to wrap same. Bob Herskovitz and Dave Grabitski from the Minnesota Historical Society worked by our side for 12 hours on Saturday to assist recovery in what I call “conditions from hell.” We are very thankful for all of these people and actions.

 

So these are the tangible losses, but there are intangible ones as well. With the loss of our Heritage Center, we lost our ability to generate income for the historical society’s operating expenses from the rental of our large meeting room. Membership renewals have not been sent during this recovery time and regular events have had to be cancelled. However, ICHS is very thankful for the donations we have received to offset this loss of income. Even small donations have enabled us to keep operating during this transitive time.

 

Over the past five months we have received temporary space to relocate and process our documents, donated office furniture, supplies and still more offers of volunteers. Thank you, thank you, thank you cannot be said too many times.

 

As we move through December, the sixth month after “The Great Arson Fire of 2011”, please consider making a year-end donation to be used for operating funds as we continue “The Great Journey of 2012.” Donations are fully tax-deductible as we are a 501c(3) non-profit and I know that ICHS would be very thankful for this monetary support as expenses still need to be covered.

 

To support ICHS during our marathon journey in recovery and rebuilding, donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.

 

                                                                                                                         Kathleen J. McCully, Executive Director

Isanti County Historical Society

 

Visit www.ichs.ws and join our eNewsletter mailing list, or LIKE us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on our progress:

by Kathy McCully

The weekend of October 22 started with the most scrumptious pancakes ever made by Kay Rodrigue and her assistants. Here is our recipe for a great way to start a Saturday morning: Two or three large pancakes topped with butter, strawberry or blueberry toppings, whipped cream and maple syrup, three sausage links, orange juice and hot coffee! Boy, were they good … there were many smiles among the 130+ people served, and it was a great chance for many of us to catch up and visit. Of course, the fire was the “hot” (sorry) topic of the morning, plus questions about future plans.

What better way to end a weekend than with an afternoon of music by four of the best bands and musicians around. There is not a bad seat in the house at the Hardy Performing Arts Center, and even though our competition for the afternoon was the Vikings/Packer game, everyone that attended had a great time. Thanks to My Cousin Dallas, New’s Getting Old, Galactic Cowboy Orchestra and Michael Monroe for donating their musican talents and time to raise funds for ICHS. A sweet thank you to the chefs and cooks who donated preserves to sell—all are fantastic and so good. Thanks to all volunteers who helped plan and execute this event. Again it was nice to touch base and take the time to visit with everyone.

On Monday night, Oct. 3, dedicated ICHS members gathered at the Isanti County Courthouse meeting room to share ideas about what the Isanti County Historical Society should look like in the future. A phrase that was repeated helped pinpoint the focus: relevant repository.

To share your ideas, fill out an online form by clicking here.

Telephone service in the county was available by 1912, and Florence Fogel was one of the operators. Just think of the advancements in communication that have happened over the past 99 years.


Fifteen weeks and counting since the fire that made history. For those that attended the pancake breakfast and the Heritage Jam this past weekend, ICHS extends their thanks. The pancakes, sausages and toppings were so delicious. That maple syrup and butter is way too hard to resist in my opinion, and after serving over 100 folks I can see it is a favorite with many more of you as well. The Heritage Jam produced wonderful, wonderful music and even though our competition for the afternoon was the Vikings/Packers game, we had a modest turnout and a great afternoon. Everyone is really in for a great treat if they purchased one or more of the homemade preserves—these folks really know what they are doing. Heroes for History include all event attendees, every volunteer who gave their time on such a nice weekend, Nikki and Linda of the Cambridge Chamber, Vicky Lefebvre, ICHS staff and board, and the four bands who donated their performance time on our behalf: New’s Getting Old, My Cousin Dallas, Galactic Cowboy Orchestra and Michael Monroe. We can never say thank you enough to those that are committed to contributing to our success and future endeavors.

This week we are regrouping and starting additional computer training so that everyone processing our returned documents will be following the same processes and procedures. Computers are still foreign to some so all the practice we can have will only be to our advantage. We have had many a discussion about technology, and many laughs remembering the same reactions to the “technologies of the day” of each past generation. For instance, from hand stitching to treadle sewing machines, then electric sewing machines, and on to computerized sewing machines. From telephones with the hand crank and a switchboard operator, to a rotary dialed phone and a party line, to a single line with push buttons, from a land line to a cell phone that can do anything you could ever have dreamed of wanting. Or shorthand-taking secretaries and transcriptionists, to hand-held tape recorders, or voice activated software that types for you. Washing clothes in the stream, washboards, washtubs and hand cranked wringers, electric wringer washers, washers with an agitator, front-loaders that spin, steam washing machines, wow! Just about every facet of our lives has seen a similar progression in technological advancements, and I am sure each generation has had those that openly embraced the newest advance with wide-eyed awe and open arms. On the flip side, there were also those that were more skeptical and sure that “this will never last.”

So here we are in 2011, with great technologies that will only make our jobs easier and faster if we are able to take the time to practice, hone, and assess our skills and procedures as we face the large amount of fire damaged material. But let us never forget that behind the best technology of the day are the people who are committed to learning how to use it, applying it to the specific jobs and professions they do, and who troubleshoot the problems when they arise. Three cheers to these folks, who work hand-in-hand with technology to do their jobs.

If you want to support ICHS, donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.

Kathleen J. McCully, Executive Director