Collections of records from a single family are generally referred to in the preservation world as “family papers.” Family papers would include many actual pieces of paper (correspondence, household or business records, legal documents, etc.) but can also include photographs and, sometimes, three-dimensional artifacts as well. One such collection at the Anoka County Historical Society is one for the Weber family of the Centerville area.
Read MoreAlthough the Jackson Hotel stands out as Anoka’s most famous hotel (and is one of the only extant historic hotel buildings in the city today), at one time the city on both sides of the Rum River boasted several places for travelers to lodge. One of these was the Farmers’ hotel, located on the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Jackson Street, facing Second Avenue.
Read MoreApril showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring celebratory groups of teenagers all dressed up in their finest to nearby restaurants. That’s right, it’s prom season once more.
Read MoreHennepin Technical College Video Production student Justin Ramey received a Crystal Pillar Award, which is part of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Upper Midwest Regional Emmys, for his production of “The Ticknor House Bed and Breakfast.”
Read MoreOne fall day in 1996 while checking out at the grocery store, I saw a magazine article about “The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies.” Intrigued, I purchased the magazine and took it home to study. Twelve different recipes – that would be a challenge! And a learning opportunity – I never made meringues before.
Read MoreI’ll bet you dollars to doughnuts, well, cookies in this case, that when I say “grandma” you think “extra treats.”
Read MoreBob Muscovitz recalled the storm of 1991 for the Anoka County Historical Society collections:
“Ouch! I was in plowing and cleaning sidewalks and most everything in a loader while Rick Wesp had the trackless sidewalk machine helping to open up a street for the police who took our four-wheel drive pickups.
Read MoreHistory has a habit of repeating itself, especially in Minnesota. Through the years, Anoka County residents have survived the elements to call this area home, despite piles of white stuff towering in all directions.
Read MoreThe Ansonia Clock Company, formed in 1851 and operated as a high-quality company until the 1920s, made the clock of this week.
Read MoreThe third and final installment of the Anoka County Historical Society clock restoration series appears this week. Be sure to visit the museum and request a showing of these artifacts.
The first donation we will discuss is a Forestville OG style clock, which appears in a well-cared for, pristine state rarely found in clocks of this age.
Read MoreThe current Anoka County Historical Society exhibit on the county’s post-war boom contains several magazines and advertisements, some of which depict a stereotype of the 1950s: a family participating in an activity (for example, back-yard barbecuing), including Dad with a pipe in his mouth.
Read MoreTo commemorate the 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters and women winning the right to vote, the Anoka County Historical Society will unveil a new exhibit on January 19 from 2-4 p.m. at the History Center.
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Read MoreWho was Anna Arnold Hedgeman, and why has the Anoka County Historical Society received calls suggesting we create a memorial to her? Was she a movie star, a performer, an athlete? Is her name widely recognized throughout the country or, for that matter, in Anoka? In 2013, the public television show Almanac aired a segment on her life and accomplishments, which reran recently and prompted the conversation once more.
Read MoreOne hundred and seven years ago the house-boating craze broke out in Anoka, and its epicenter was the Anoka Dock, now in the process of being re-established in Riverfront Park.
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